Farmers’ markets are great opportunities for members of the community to come together and uplift local brands. Small shops thrive at farmers’ markets because they gain exposure to new and reliable customers. Of course, selling at a farmers’ market has its own unique set of obstacles, such as keeping foods fresh as possible. Globe Bag Company dives into how to keep produce fresh at farmers’ markets in addition to the perks of selling your produce at them.
Why You Should Sell Produce at Farmers’ Markets
Before we get to tips for keeping produce fresh at your food stand, we will address the question, “Why sell at a farmers’ market?” Globe Bag Company notes the advantages of selling your products at a farmers’ market over other vending options.
Farmers’ Markets Are Very Profitable
Selling your produce at farmers’ markets is much more profitable than selling your produce to grocery firms or wholesalers. By selling at a farmers’ market, you nix the excess costs in food handling, transporting, storing, and refrigerating that come with selling to a grocery firm.
You Can Reach Your Target Audience Effortlessly
Farmers’ markets bring in routine crowds of people looking for the freshest items. Whether it’s handmade skincare, curated meat or dairy, organic produce, or a variety of those products, farmers’ markets are known for offering fresh and locally sourced goods. One of the biggest perks of selling at a farmers’ market is that you reach your target audience effortlessly. Much of the crowd is bound to be on the search for wholesome produce, which you can supply them with happily.
You Are Paid Immediately
The transactions at a farmers’ market are immediate, meaning you acquire cash for your goods without any interference. Instant access to money for your produce allows for more accurate budgeting. More accurate budgeting is critical to optimizing business operations.
You Are in Control of Your Customer’s Experience
Farmers’ markets are the perfect locations to build customer rapport. At a food stand, you’re able to promote positive experiences with your brand for all customers since you’re actually present. When you send your produce off to a grocery store, you have limited control over presentation and are unable to tend to customers’ questions or concerns. At your vendor stand at a farmers’ market, patrons can put a face with a name, making your product more personable and trustworthy.
Farm Stands Have Cheap Start-Up Costs
It is relatively cheap to start your own food stand in comparison with what it would cost to sell and transport goods to a wholesaler. We’ve included a list of various materials that you may need to create a successful stand so you can get an idea of the total cost associated with this venture.
- Tables and containers to display your produce.
- A sign with the name of your farm or brand.
- A sign that outlines the type of produce you have and the price of your goods.
- Bags to give customers with the purchase of your produce.
- A scale or two for weighing products if you plan to sell by weight.
- A tent to protect you and your products from both rain and sunshine.
- A vehicle to transport you and your produce to the farmers’ market locations.
- Any refrigeration resources necessary to keep your produce fresh for sale.
- A cash box or portable POS system for transactions.
With an assortment of the mentioned supplies, you’ll be ready for farmers’ market success. Of course, it’s helpful to consider the cost of planting and harvesting your produce in the first place, too.
Tips for Making Your Produce Stay Fresh at the Farmers’ Market
Produce can be sensitive to the elements it’s exposed to at a farmers’ market. Explore how to keep produce fresh at farmers’ markets with the following tips.
Shade
Farmers’ markets often take place in open fields or lots, which means minimal shade. Be sure to provide your own shade for your produce (and yourself) with a tent. Though sunlight is a necessary component to growing and harvesting produce, too much sun and heat on fresh crops can expedite rotting.
Wind
Wind accelerates produce water loss, resulting in shriveling and wilting. If the day is especially windy, you’ll need windbreaks to protect your produce. Windbreaks ensure that your fruits and veggies maintain their water weight.
Mist
For produce that requires high humidity, maintain moisture by misting. You can mist your crops using a spray bottle or, if you have the funds, invest in an automated misting system. Whichever technique you prefer, be sure to always use clean water for misting.
Containers
Nobody wants a bruised fruit or vegetable. To avoid bruising your produce, opt for shallow containers. From
wholesale berry baskets to pumpkin bins, Globe Bag Company has packaging solutions for all kinds of produce for every season.
Display
Keep in mind that you don’t need to display all of your crops at once. Stock your table with as many crops as you need to get you through the morning rush and store the rest of your produce in optimal storage conditions. You can restock your table as necessary to keep your display looking full.
Tips To Help Customers Keep Their Produce Fresher for Longer
Offer your customers helpful storage tips to provide memorable customer service. You can note these tips on a business card that you give to customers with each transaction, boosting brand awareness and produce shelf life.
Berries and Cherries
Sift through your berries or cherries container, double-checking for any mushy bits. Toss any berries or cherries that give you pause, as these may hinder the rest of the bunch. Line your container with a paper towel and refrigerate for up to a week.
Tomatoes
Until you’ve cut into them, leave your tomatoes on the counter. Once cut, you can stick them in the fridge. Your tomatoes should be kept out of sunlight and will remain in quality condition for up to five days. Should you sell tomatoes on the vine at your food stand, advise patrons to wait until they are ready to use them to pluck them from the vine.
Corn
Refrigerate ears of corn with their husks on to get them to last an extra week. You can keep corn in an airtight container for roughly five days.
Lettuce
Inform customers that they should not wash lettuce until they intend to use it. As a good rule of thumb, darker, heartier lettuce lasts longer than the paler, tender kind. You should wrap arugula tight and place it in a plastic bag in the fridge. Try to use your greens within two to four days.
