Beyond produce: B.C. farmers’ markets are breeding grounds for small business success

When their dog had an allergic reaction to store-bought treats, Voss Yu and Charlotte Keung didn’t expect it to lead to a business. They started baking their own treats from all-natural, human-grade ingredients, eventually launching Bon Appetail, a pet bakery specializing in custom cakes and treats made in small, “drool-worthy” batches.

After moving from Hong Kong to Canada last year, the couple joined the Clayton Farmers’ Market in June. “The local farmers’ market is always our main focus to connect with the neighbourhood, to be part of the community,” says Yu. “We’re really proud to be in Clayton. We love the area.” 

More than a market: How vendors build, adapt and flourish

Even in two months, they’ve adapted their menu: “woofnuts” and “barkarons” replaced the dim sum-shaped treats that were popular in Hong Kong. Collaborations and themed weekends help them experiment—like using blueberries from local farmers in their cupcakes for the market’s “Berry Days.” 

The market also acts as a pick-up point for online orders and exposure without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar shop. “We cannot rent a storefront just for a weekend. But that’s something we can achieve through the farmers’ market,” says Yu. “[It’s] a great way for people to actually physically see your product—It’s very different from social media.” 

By the numbers: How farmers’ markets move B.C.

Bon Appetail is just one example of how B.C. farmers’ markets support more than just farmers and growers. These markets also provide a springboard for small businesses: makers and artisans, bakers, food trucks and alcohol vendors, just to name a few.

A 2023 economic impact study by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets estimates that BCAFM member markets generated $155 million in direct sales—all of it going to local farmers, food and artisan vendors—and more than $232 million in total economic output to local economies. With nearly 5 million visits across the province and nearly 1 million tourists each year, farmers’ markets not only support market vendors but also local businesses supplying these vendors.

There are ripple effects for surrounding businesses, too. According to the study, 87% of local retailers benefitted from increased customer traffic due to nearby farmers’ markets, and shoppers across the province spent more than $118 million at neighbouring businesses.

“I was actually kind of afraid of going to farmers’ markets in the beginning,” says Charis (who declined to share her last name), founder of Simply Homayd, a small batch Chiu Chow chili oil and XO sauce brand. But after trying a market in Vancouver four years ago, she quickly changed her mind. “I had a really great time getting to know all the locals and seeing all the people selling their local produce and jams and honeys—and I felt like we would fit right in,” she shares.

Now she’s a regular at the Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market. “Every week, we have some customers that because they live in the Amazing Brentwood, they’ll still come and say hi to me,” she says. “I’ve built a lot of friendships too through farmers’ markets, and usually we see very similar or the same vendors every week or every other week.” 

Tinkering, tasting and turning heads

Simply Homayd uses the market not just to connect with the community but also to gather product feedback. “Currently our products are not gluten-free, but I know a lot of my customers have been requesting it or asking when we’ll make it. We are in a beta testing phase right now using different gluten-free soy sauces to try to get the same flavour,” says Charis. “It’s really nice to keep our customers and new [followers] updated about what we’re doing.”

The markets also provide insights into consumer habits. “You get a really good pulse on how the economy is doing,” she adds, noting a shift toward smaller jars and cash payments over the past year. “It does change the way how I would promote my products, sell it and give certain recommendations on how to use the product.” 

Farmers’ markets have also helped the brand build an audience without a large marketing budget. “I’ve increased a lot of followers on my social media because people are now coming and trying our products,” she says. “A lot of my brand is actually word-of-mouth.”

The summer of market-hopping

Initiatives like the 2025 BC Farmers’ Market Summer Challenge are another way markets drive visitor traffic and boost support for small businesses, encouraging locals and tourists to shop local and explore different markets across the province.

“Farmers’ markets are a trusted passport to B.C. and Canadian food and artisanal goods,” writes Heather O’Hara, executive director, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. “Our markets are filled with local stories of makers and flavours. For those seeking a meaningful way to travel B.C. and support our province, choose B.C. farmers’ markets.”

Sources: BC Association of Farmers’ Markets press release, 2023 Economic Impact Study and official statement.