ABU DHABI The recently-opened Ripe Food and Craft market at The Collection on St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has elicited an enthusiastic response from residents with hundreds flocking to buy organic fruit and vegetables.
Held every Saturday, the market also offers handicrafts, jewellery, clothing, handbags, clutches, toys, and even gourmet popcorns, almond tarts, olives and compressed organic juice.
“I am happy that we finally have an open farmers’ market in Abu Dhabi,” mother of three, Selina Ellacot, from the UK told XPRESS. “It was difficult to find organic produce in the local market.” Emirati couple Adel Al Jabri and Safiya said the opening of the Ripe market has spared them the trouble of driving down to Dubai for organic products.
Carnival-like atmosphere
A buoyant, almost carnival-like atmosphere prevailed when XPRESS visited it last Saturday. Live music played by a solo acoustic guitarist filled the air and mixed with the excited chatter of families milling around the stalls.
“This is a lot of fun. There is food, music, good weather and loads of shopping. We have been missing something like this in Abu Dhabi,” said Australian expat Emma, who moved to Abu Dhabi five years ago.
“There is a lot of seasonal produce and the best thing about it is that most of it is cheap. For instance a fresh avocado costs Dh10, that’s Dh5 less than in supermarkets,” she added.
A bag of cucumber and a bunch of rocket leaves cost Dh10 each. A small bag of red radish is priced at Dh15, and a bag of zucchini, Dh10.
By 1pm all veggies had been sold out. “The response has been fantastic. A lot of people had contacted us through social media channels asking for the Ripe Market in Abu Dhabi and it’s heartening to see them come out in such huge numbers,” Becky Balderstone, Ripe Founder, told XPRESS.
Ripe Markets in Dubai and Sharjah were established in 2012, and have since been running successfully.
“Ripe works with a number of local farms that practice organic farming. Our agricultural manager has built up great relationships with our farmers and he is out visiting them each week to ensure what comes from the ground is of the best quality,” Balderstone added.
The vendors are no less thrilled by the response. “It’s been pretty good so far,” said Vasco D’Sousa, from Portugal, who sells his own brand of gluten-free almond tarts, aTarte. “We launched last year in Dubai and are hoping to generate interest in Abu Dhabi.”
Chloe Elgar, nutritionist at Essentialls that sells organic compressed juice, said she is getting repeat customers from last week. “There is a lot of interest, and we are excited to be part of the Ripe Market,” said Elgar.
The Ripe Food and Craft market in Abu Dhabi is open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
