Local farmers were highlighted in November at Trimart Supermarkets when the chain launched its first ever Farm Fresh campaign.

The campaign is highlighting those farmers who supply the supermarket chain with locally-grown produce as well as providing in-store promotions at its three locations – Rendezvous, Mile-and-a-Quarter, and St. Martin.

Trimart’s Marketing Officer, Kelly Arthur said that through the Farm Fresh initiative, Trimart was “supporting healthy living and saluting our very own small farm industry.” She added that: “As our country celebrates its 48th year of Independence we thought it fitting that we should launch this campaign with a special focus on some of our farmers, Independence specials on locally-grown produce, and the launch of our new Farm Fresh Logo which represents fresh quality products.”

Farmers keen to get on board

Ms. Arthur said that the farmers supplying Trimart were keen to get on board the initiative. “From the initial stages they were willing to participate and even offered special pricing for November, and we commend them for doing so. Farming is their life; they are passionate about it and the quality of their produce,” the Marketing Officer noted.

Highlighting the benefits of the campaign for consumers, Ms. Arthur said that when they bought local produce they were eating food which was fresher and tastier. “They are also helping to provide employment for persons in the farm-to-fork continuum as well as saving foreign exchange.”

President and CEO of ANSA McAL, Nicholas Mouttet, who is also acting CEO of Trimart praised the farmers. “We have remarkable farmers who supply us with their produce on a weekly basis; and so we’re committed to assisting them by marketing their produce. Visits to farms are conducted regularly as we believe in offering customers the healthiest options for their family by providing the freshest produce and meats.”

Some of the participating farms and producers in the month-long campaign are: United Farmers (poultry), Ronald and Dwayne Bereton (pork), PVW Farm (eggs), Leslie Meat and Veg (fresh produce), and Armag Farms (sweet potato fries).

Happy with Trimart support

Jan Fletcher, Product Development Manager, Armag Manufacturing said the campaign presented an opportunity to raise the profile of its product range including sweet potato fries. “We appreciate Trimart’s support and are very happy with the promotion. Trimart worked really hard on it and we feel that it promotes an equal partnership between us.” She added that some businesses were in need of assistance to promote their produce and “for Trimart to spearhead this initiative was a good thing.”

In another aspect of the campaign, other Trimart suppliers were invited to give customers the opportunity to sample their products during November. Ms. Arthur said that customers visiting its locations would be able to sample tasty Bajan treats including Glowspread cookies, sweet potato fries, tamarind balls, and homemade jams. “A chef will also be on-site to tantalise customers’ taste buds with Barbadian delicacies and dishes.”