Homegrown food concepts, businesses shine at Dubai market
dubai — For anyone looking for a destination that will give them an opportunity to learn more about organic products, as well as a chance to support several of the UAE’s homegrown businesses, then a visit to the Ripe Market in Dubai is in order.
This year’s edition of the Ripe Market at the Academy Park on Umm Suqeim Road returns with a focus on homegrown food concepts — from live cooking cafes and eateries, to several retail food items such as local oysters, freshly baked bread, honey, jam, chutney, olives and more. The community event is open every Friday and Saturday and will run until May 1, 2021.
“You really take your taste buds on a journey through local product paradise,” said Becky Balderstone, founder of Ripe. “This year, we
have also partnered with Farmers Market ME to support local organic and hydroponic farms and give them a platform to sell their prod
uct and tell their story.”
Every Friday and Saturday, at the Ripe Market, visitors can meet and support local organic UAE
farmers. All of their produce is locally grown and freshly harvested each day, making it the freshest and most affordable organic produce in town. Ripe Market has also provided a special place this year for merchants and makers, allowing visitors to choose from a select group of local companies that sell organic skincare products, handcrafted leather bags, handcrafted jewellery, and unique fashion.
A place of genuine friendships
“Health and wellness is a big part of what we believe should be included daily in your life, so we always welcome homegrown businesses that share the same values as we do,” Balderstone said.
“We are also really honoured to be partnering with the Dubai Police in our weekly community event; they have so many programmes that engage and educate the community, and we are really proud to be able to showcase these weekly,” she added.
“Ripe is all about bringing the community together to meet and engage with local merchants and makers,” Balderstone noted. “It is a place where genuine friendships and brand loyalty is established. People of all ages wander from stall to stall, happily chatting both to each other and to the exhibitors, tasting as they go. Our only goal is offering a fun and safe environment that supports local SME businesses.”
Currently, Ripe Market offers over 80 homegrown businesses a weekly platform to engage, educate and sell their products.