Hundreds, if not thousands, sampled and noshed the offerings of more that 40 local food producers during the 10th annual Local Island Showcase organized by PepperB次元官网网址檚 Foods.
Held outside the store between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the event showcased PepperB次元官网网址檚 local suppliers.
Scott Zaichkowsky, head of PepperB次元官网网址檚 grocery department, still remembers the first showcase. While 25 vendors participated back in 2009, this yearB次元官网网址檚 event drew 45. Of those, 20 had participated in the first showcase. For Zaichkowsky, it is a sign of loyalty on behalf of vendors, but also sign that customers want locally grown food, when vendors more than happy to respond. B次元官网网址淐ustomers come here to show local stuff, and this is the perfect event to showcase that,B次元官网网址� he said.
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The growth of the event is not just evident in the number of vendors. Zaichkowsky estimates some 400 people attended the first showcase. B次元官网网址淟ast year, we are anywhere between 800 and 1,000, and this year, I pretty much guarantee we will well surpass that [figure].B次元官网网址�
This growth has coincided with changes in the attitudes of people towards food. B次元官网网址淧eople have an appreciation for local businesses,B次元官网网址� said Zaichkowsky. B次元官网网址淲hen customers come here, they donB次元官网网址檛 always look for the big brand name, because it is popular or cheaper. They donB次元官网网址檛 mind spending the extra money to get better quality and something that it is produced locally, and a vendor that they are trying to help along the way. All of the vendors are good, perfect examples of that.B次元官网网址� Ultimately, you get what you pay for, said Zaichkowsky.
This commitment towards the local also accounts for PepperB次元官网网址檚 decision to feature the product of The Little Stand, a popular roadside jam stand in Saanich that shut down following a bylaw violation.
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Katherine Little, along with her husband, were among the vendors participating in ThursdayB次元官网网址檚 showcase, which they used to introduce new product. Little said the customersB次元官网网址� response has been outstanding.
B次元官网网址淭his has been an absolutely amazing community event, and we are really happy to be part of it,B次元官网网址� she said.
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