At Staffordshire Country Markets we are looking for new members to join our friendly, co-operative venture:
• All goods are offered for sale collectively – no one has
preferential treatment.
• There are no minimum quantities to produce – just produce the
amount that suits you.
• Country Markets have a formula to help Producers work out a fair
selling price, that also gives a good return for their hard work.
• A small commission (currently 10%) is taken from the selling price
of goods, to cover market running expenses, and the remainder is
paid to the Producer monthly.
• We encourage Producers, wherever possible, to help with the
running of the market, but we are flexible to individual
circumstances, social commitments, etc.
Who can join, what does it cost?
Anyone, male or female, may apply to join as long as they are over
sixteen. It costs just five
pence to become a shareholder/member. You are then able to sell at any of the
Country Markets in Staffordshire.
What can be sold?
Genuine home-produced goods. In the case of perishable foods, they
must be freshly prepared and must not have been previously frozen:
Cakes,
biscuits, pies
Savouries
Vegetarian Dishes |
Jams and other
preserves
Honey
Fruit and vegetables |
Eggs – free
range are preferred
Plants
Crafts and greetings cards |
Are there any other costs?
You will need to purchase an invoice pad, approved Country Markets
labels and packaging materials. All these are available within the
Markets in Staffordshire. You may also purchase a Country Markets
Handbook, which contains all the information needed about producing
for a Country Market. The Country Market Head Office ensures that
all Producers are kept informed of the latest legal guidelines by
means of new policy guidelines.
Are there any rules?
We do have some rules to ensure that we comply with Legal Statutory
regulations (especially that concerning food safety), that our
produce is safe for the consumer and reaches the high standards
expected of Country Markets' produce. The Market Controller at each
Market is responsible for ensuring that goods are up to the
standards required.
What qualifications are needed?
All food producers, including Country Market Producers, are required
by law to undertake Food Hygiene training. Our cooked-food Producers
must have a Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate. If you haven’t got
one already Country Markets will help you to obtain one. It involves
attending a one-day training course followed by a multiple-choice test. The
certificates have to be refreshed every three years.
How do I join?
Come along to any of the Staffordshire Country Market venues and
introduce yourself to the Controller who will tell you all you need
to know. |
