Welcome to Country Markets NI Ltd

Print

Country Markets (N.I.) Ltd was formed in Northern Ireland in 1991.  We are self supporting and receive no funding.  We are not part of or affiliated to any other organisation or Farmer’s Markets.  The produce sold displays Country Market’s labels.  All our producers are registered and traceable, all are local to the community in which they operate. Country Markets is a traditional and basic form of enterprise dating back to the war years when food was in short supply.  The initiative began with WI markets selling home produce in towns and villages throughout England, then spread to Southern and finally Northern Ireland.

A Country market is one of the most basic yet effective forms of group marketing which contributes positively to the local economy.  Country Markets is a non profit making organisation.  The objectives of the Country Market is to bring together people from all walks of life, helping to build confidence, and in doing so, generate a small additional income covering costs for those involved.  This objective has most certainly been achieved.  The market has also proved to be a valuable community asset for those involved.  The structure and the operation of the market contributes to the development of inter personal skills and organisational abilities.  The members of all Country Markets produce a wide variety of produce ranging from jams and breads to flower arrangements and craft products from the table to the workshop bench. The groups put their goods on sale on a regular basis i.e. weekly or fortnightly in a rented room or hall. All producers involved are local to their own area.  Country Markets labels must always be on all products and produce.  Environmental Health regulations must be upheld at all times.  All produce and products sold at The Country Market must be home produced.  Established businesses do not supply to Country Markets. Although we live in a world of mass production and intensive marketing many people still prefer “home made” produce this is proven by the sale of goods at each market.

The market has enabled participants to gain first hand experience of an enterprise at a level which incurs little capital outlay and a small return to enable them to continue and keep traditional craft etc active in the province. All our markets operate in premises such as Church Halls, vacant shops. Community Centres, shopping centres and indeed anywhere that is available at an affordable cost. I hope this gives a little insight as to what Country Markets does.  One of the main successes is in having people come along from all walks of life and work together.  It is our desire to see this success mirrored around the province to the benefit of Northern Ireland.

Back