Local farmers market serves as starting point for growing French bakery
September 13, 2019
Every Saturday morning since 2003, vendors from across the Dallas area have sold their locally produced goods at the Coppell Farmers Market. As a 501(c)3 registered non-profit organization, the Coppell Farmers Market strives to develop relationships between vendors and the community by encouraging Coppell to eat local.
Local vendors enjoy being able to develop their businesses and gain exposure through the Coppell Farmers Market. Several businesses have gotten their start from Coppell’s market. This includes Village Baking Company, a French bakery selling French bread and pastries in Coppell for more than 10 years.
“Farmers markets are where Village Baking Company started making their product around DFW,” Village Baking Company employee Danny Neely said. “It’s very rewarding for the people who participate in the [Coppell Farmers Market] because they get to know the customers and the community that they are serving”.
Currently, farmers market’s vendors nation-wide produce $1 billion in annual sales and there has been a 7% increase in revenue since 2013. The demand for locally produced goods is greater than ever, and farmers markets provide a unique place for businesses to prosper.
Farmers markets serve a critical role in not only the development of local business but also the engagement with the community.
In the age of processed foods and GMOs, buying food from known sources can comfort consumers. These interactions are both pivotal for both the customers and vendors.
“Places like Coppell Farmers market and the kind citizens of Coppell are the main reason we are able to do what we do,” Neely said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have anyone to share our bread and pastry with, so we are very thankful.”
Follow Anvitha Reddy on Twitter @anvithareddytx
