University of Canterbury Professor of Marketing Jörg Finsterwalder says “Christchurch has a growing food market scene”. With a range of markets such as weekend markets (Christchurch Farmers' Market), night markets (Hornby and Ferrymead) and permanent indoor food hubs like The Riverside Market.
Josh believes the Sydenham Underpass “holds the mystique of the market”. Josh appreciates the style of the market and have embodied the grafitti artistry of the Underpass in their logo.
This idea was a “no brainer” to co-organiser, tenant and co-owner of Grumpys Maddie Macauley who had struggled as a market vendor during the winter months. “We see an opportunity to give security to vendors in terms of weather and indoor space”. Maddie says this idea has been “a dream come true" and hopes to “help smaller businesses grow”.
Finsterwalder believes that Christchurch has developed into a true “market city” which “play a significant social, cultural, and economic role in Ōtautahi”.
He also hopes that as markets grow the maintain “the farm-to-fork philosophy” which means to feature locally sourced food. Food markets support local economies and provide a platform for cultural diversity to be showcased and preserved says Finsterwalder.
When asked if there could ever be too many food markets in Christchurch, he said that there can never be too many food markets as long as they can differ from other markets.
This first market will be a test of “traction and popularity” but Josh and the team is aiming to host fortnightly markets with monthly vendor changes.
