Fan club puts market shoppers at top of queue

Farmers' Market Facilitator Emma Glover with a goody pack for new Fan Club members.

Farmers' Market fans will soon be reaping rewards.

From next month the Hawke's Bay institution launches a new initiative - its new Fan Club offers a membership pack and exclusive stallholder discounts every Saturday market in Napier and Sunday market in Hastings.

"We want customers to know how much we value their repeat business," Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market chairman Murray Douglas said.

It's simple for regular visitors to sign up to the club which costs $60 for a year-long subscription.

A sign-up pack includes reusable shopping bag, Farmers' Market apron, tea towel and weekly "membership only" specials.

Fan Club members will be identified by rooster tags attached to their bags, which need to be presented in order to receive benefits.

Every month members go in a draw to win a meal from "friends" of the Farmers Market - restaurants and cafes which feature fresh produce on the menu and support local growers.

The first offering is a degustation dinner for two at Ten Twenty Four in Hastings.

Fan Club early-bird membership can be purchased from September 19 at information stalls set up at the market, or through a new and improved website to be launched September 18.

An official launch will be held at Hawke's Bay Farmers' Markets on October 3 in Napier's Clive Square and October 4 at The Hawke's Bay A&P Showgrounds in Hastings.

All those who secure a tag before the official opening are eligible to go in a draw to win the No1 tag.

"We know Fan Club tag No1 will be a popular tag to get," Mr Douglas said.

For further information email: info@hawkesbayfarmersmarket.co.nz