Vasse Village by Bunbury Farmers Market is blowing out its first birthday candles this week, marking one year of creating more than 250 local jobs and championing local produce.
The milestone event will take place on Friday, December 5, 12-months since doors first opened and South West shoppers started streaming in.
Bunbury Farmers Market chief executive Leith Johnston said the response from guests had exceeded expectations.
“From day one, our aim was to bring the same extreme value and extreme freshness that Bunbury is known for to the South West, while creating something new for locals and holidaymakers,” he said.
“The support we’ve received has been incredible and shows that people have a genuine interest in food provenance and freshness.”
In just one year, Vasse Village has sold more than 190,000kg of South West apples, more than 87,000kg of West Australian strawberries and around 200,000kg of Australian bananas.
“What we hear most often is that the freshness speaks for itself,” Mr Johnston said.
“When produce is grown close to home and reaches our shelves quickly, it simply tastes better.
“Being able to support over 150 local growers while delivering that quality to our guests every day is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The store has also spelt good news for tourism, drawing upwards of 2 million visitors.
“This first year of Vasse Village has laid a strong foundation,” Mr Johnston said.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead and, as part of our enduring and proud partnership with Australia’s most successful private company Hancock Prospecting, we look forward to growing with the region while delivering extreme value and extreme freshness, guaranteed.”