Shoppers name Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market the best in Australia

An SA market loved by locals has taken gold in an Australian competition – and there’s an obvious reason why we love it so much.

Earlier Sunday trading won’t spoil the offerings at Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market, says market chief, Christine Robertson.

While the government’s proposed extension to Sunday trading, from 11am to 9am, is out for consultation, Ms Robertson said a change wouldn’t have “any impact at all” on the Wayville operation.

“People don’t shop here because it’s open; they shop here because it’s the best produce available, and they’re shopping direct from the farmers,” Ms Robertson said.

“It’s a destination, and we certainly thrive on that, but primarily it’s about the produce and making sure it’s the best.”

Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market stallholders Rebekah McCaul from Alexandrina Cheese Co, Joel Brockhoff from Pomology at Tarrawood and Bill Cooksley from Rich Pickings Flowers, Wayville, Kaurna Yarta. Picture: Morgan Sette

Local love for the Showground Farmers’ Market has won it the inaugural Readers’ Choice award for Outstanding Farmers’ Market at the national 2022 delicious. Produce Awards.

“It’s really special, because that means the community has chosen us,” Ms Robertson said.

“It’s people saying, ‘this is the best place to be’.”

Ms Robertson said the Covid pandemic was “good to us”, because the market could remain open during lockdowns as an essential service. The market moved from Leader St to the more spacious centre of the Showground, where they decided to stay.

However, the 90-odd stallholders will return to the original Leader St spot on August 21 and 28, to allow for the set-up of the Royal Adelaide Show, and pop-up at Orphanage Park on September 4 and 11.

Other South Australian winners at this year’s awards include Ashley Ratcliff from Ricca Terra Farms for Outstanding Viticulturalist and Hentley Farm Restaurant’s Clare Falzon as the Unearthed Next-Gen Chef.

This comes in the same month Morphett Vale’s Adelaide Fresh Fruiterers won the National Retailer of the year award – for the second year running – and emerging Adelaide Hills boutique winery Living Roots was named Best New Winery in the prestigious 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

OUR TOP FARMERS’ MARKETS

Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market, Wayville, from 8.30am Sunday

Willunga Farmers Market, Willunga, from 8am Saturday

Barossa Farmers Market, Angaston, from 7.30am Saturday

Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market, Mt Barker, from 8.30am Saturday

Mt Pleasant Farmers Market, Mt Pleasant, from 8am Saturday