New season, new vendors
Our summer markets kick-off the first weekend of May, and we are more than excited to introduce a BUMPER CROP of 30+ new vendors this season! Everything from urban farms to bison ranches, fermented foodsters and mead-makers – this is our biggest introduction of new vendors ever!
The Goods
First, let’s talk about the farmers. We have a number of new producers at the markets this year, including Abundant Acres Family Farm from Chilliwack (mixed veg), Turtle Valley Bison (Chef Chris Whittaker’s source for all things bison), One Love Farm from Lilloet (veg, herbs, and flowers), and Urban Farm Girl & Co. from Burnaby (mixed veg). Also joining us this season is longtime VFM vendor Rachel Ryall (sister of Cropthorne Farm’s Lydia) in her newest incarnation as River & Sea Flowers. Rachel grows some of the most beautiful blooms around. And the bonus? They’re certified organic.
Ok, on to the carbs. We know you love them. There are a few new bakeries on the VFM roster for 2017, including Whistler’s Rising Knead and Nelson’s Bakeshop, operating out of Vancouver’s west side. Both have a focus on sourdough fermentation and produce a range of delicious breads and pastries. Also look out for Cascadia Bakery this summer.
Ever heard of raclette? It’s a kind of cheese most commonly eaten like a fondue, melted over bread and veggies. Cheese Me will be bringing it to the markets food truck-style with all kinds of 
delicious toppings – check them out on select dates at Downtown and Mount Pleasant. Other food trucks joining us this summer are Gaia Ma, specializing in healthy, vegan eats, and Chickpea Food Truck, who’ll be serving up vegetarian comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Rounding out the selection is Cheeses Crust, purveyors of grilled cheese and taco delights.
We’ve got some great craft beverage debuting at the markets this summer, including Left Field Cider (yay!), makers of traditional dry English ciders, and 
Vancouver-based Faculty Brewing Co., who brew a wide range of lagers, ales, saisons, and stouts down on Ontario St. For something a little different, check out Humblebee Mead, makers of dry, sparkly mead (a.k.a honey alcohol) that incorporates surprising ingredients like kaffir lime and saffron. Looking for something non-alcoholic? Check out one of our three new kombucha makers this summer – Healthy Hooch, Oddity Kombucha, and The Royals Kombucha Brew House.
And now for the healthy stuff! Love you some 
sauerkraut? We’ve got two new fermented foods vendors coming onboard this season, including nutritionist and chef Alice Savage, and Lakehouse Foods, who produce a range of lactose-fermented sauerkrauts and pickles. Smoothie fans have to check out the super wholesome ready-to-blend smoothie mixes from The Good Stuff, and for the little ones, look out for Tiny Tummie‘s line of handcrafted baby foods.
View a complete list of new 2017 summer season vendors here.
