As the number of local markets in Abu Dhabi rises, it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on, and where. TOAD finds the best around, and talks to successful organic retailer Ripe.
Growing organically
The Ripe organic markets were founded in 2011 by Becky Balderstone. Becky saw a niche in the, er, market for good quality, local organic produce. She says, ‘I wanted to do something I was passionate about and supporting local agriculture is something that both my husband and I feel strongly about. After visiting the farms here, I had no idea how advanced they were, and the produce was amazing so it just made sense to start something. The seasonal veggie box service was something I loved having back home, and I felt that many other people probably felt the same way.’
Ripe began distributing seasonal boxes of produce and has now expanded to include several weekly markets with produce and crafts, as well as a Dubai shop and a popular online store.
The weekly markets take place at Jones the Grocer in Al Khalidiyah and Al Raha on Mondays. Ripe is not only a market, it also distributes fresh produce – around 500 boxes per week – to residents of the UAE.
Ripe’s offerings include eggs, milk, honey and tea as well as fruit and vegetables, which are all sourced from local farms and distributed within 48 hours of picking. Ripe sends out more than 1,000kg of cucumbers and more than 5,000 eggs every week. Becky says that initially it was a little tricky to source the goods: ‘We have partnered with a number of local farms, which are both locally and internationally certified. We work to put growing plans in place and forecast how much and what varieties of vegetables we will need for the season. There are a lot of new organic farms being established as well, which makes sourcing good quality, local organic produce a bit easier. We also have our own Ripe farm in the making – it takes at least two years to establish an organic farm, and this is a project we have been working on for a while now.’
Becky says they hope to expand and continue supporting the UAE’s agriculture. ‘Supporting local farms and making the freshest of produce more easily accessible for the residents of the UAE to enjoy is important to us,’ she says. ‘There is a huge difference in the taste and freshness when you use locally sourced produce in your cooking – you just can’t beat it!
The feedback we get from our customers is so rewarding.’
Markets from 10am-2pm every Mon, orders can be placed at Jones the Grocer, Al Khalidiyah (02 639 5883), www.ripeme.com (04 379 0441).
Market research
Four top spots to try…
What: Family day out
Where: Yas Marina
When: Every Saturday 10am-4pm
Walk along the promenade and browse a number of open market stalls where local vendors are selling everything from handicrafts to jewellery and fashion items. Soon the market will expand its offerings to include fresh produce in its farmer’s market section.
howbazaar@inspire.ae, www.cnmarinas.com/events.
What: Flea Markets
Where: Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
When: Quarterly (on a Saturday)
You can buy and sell at the flea markets – the proceeds of table fees go to a selected charity, and it gets very busy. Great for picking up secondhand bargains or getting some cash if you’re having a spring clean. Typical goods on offer: secondhand clothes, shoes, books, homewares, as well as works by artists.
Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 677 3333).
What: Local Harvest Farmers’ Market
Where: The Collection, Saadiyat Market
When: Saturdays 10am-4pm
A new Local Harvest Farmers’ Market offering a relaxed and fun community hangout for all the family and some of the finest products the UAE has to offer. The market launched on March 1 and will now run weekly until the summer. Featuring farm-fresh Local Harvest-branded fruits, vegetables, dates, honey and other produce, the market’s visitors can also shop for arts and crafts while sampling delicious culinary offerings.
The Collection at The St Regis Saadiyat Resort, www.saadiyat.ae.
What: Deerfields Farmers’ Market
Where: Deerfields Mall
When: Saturdays 2pm-8pm
Out-of-towners will rejoice at the Deerfields weekly farmers’ market. This concept, in affiliation with the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC) has just begun and is expected to expand as popularity grows. All proceeds go directly to the farmers.
www.deerfieldstownsquare.com (02 501 0888).
The Café Arabia Souk
Try this arts market
Café Arabia hosts an Arts & Crafts Souk, where local artists and vendors sell their arty wares. Great whether you want smaller ornaments or to invest in a piece of local art work.
15th street between Airport and Karamah roads, www.facebook.com/cafearabia (02 643 9699).
