With over 172 traders operating in the Ballito Farmers Market that only opened at the end of May, the uptake both by the community itself and the traders has been phenomenal.
Founder of the market Kyle Pretorius was inspired to open the farmers market based on what he experienced in the hospitality/food & beverage industry whilst living overseas for 16 years. Wherever he was based Kyle noticed that the local market was the heart and sense of the community – reflecting the area’s local culture and often being the community hub.
Positioned just outside Umhlali on the R 102, the Ballito Farmers Market ienjoys an abundance of open space and is open every weekend as well as public holidays. In addition to making the market vibrant, balanced and locally focussed Kyle’s vision is also to concentrate on quality, uniqueness and to embrace a broader cultural palette so the Ballito Farmers Market can stand out as a differentiated market where people can explore items they may never have seen before. Over and above retail and food the Ballito Farmers Market also focusses on keeping a family entertained and so the offering includes live music, space and many child-orientated activities in the “Little Peoples Paddock”. It is also pet friendly.
The farmers market is a community hub—a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, or just get a taste of what is on offer and of course it is a great way to link the community to local businesses. “More than this however” says Kyle Pretorius “ we also support over 500 families both directly and indirectly which in itself contributes towards an economically sustainable community asset as well as the local economy, which we are very proud of”.
Successful markets help to grow and to connect urban and rural economies and the Ballito Farmers Market is doing just that.
For further information on the Ballito Farmers Market contact
www.ballitofarmersmarket.co.za