THE biggest independent produce event in Manchester is set to re-write history when it launches at Corn Exchange this month.
"It’s fantastic to take this incredible building right back to its roots as a produce market for the first time in nearly a century"
The Indie Produce Exchange will showcase Manchester’s finest food and drink produce, under the roof of the historic Corn Exchange on 28-30 June – the first time the building has been used for a produce market since its heyday in the early 20th Century.
The Corn Exchange building was erected in 1897 and opened for business in 1903 under the title 'The Corn & Produce Exchange'. It was the gathering spot for thousands of traders from all over the region. This continued until the economic depression of the 1920s and 1930s.
But now, in 2013, it will be packed to the rafters with foodie stalls and a vibrant pop-up market that will see local retailers come together to present a mix of the best locally produced foods and products from across the world sourced by the best of the best independent grocers.
With Manchester favourites and the region’s finest getting involved, this promises to be a truly special event.
To profile just a couple... The Moocher (name coined from the phrase ‘I’m going for a mooch’) will be on hand for rare- breed pork pies and sausage rolls, venison pasties, savoury brioches stuffed with pork & rhubarb, Lancashire cheese & onion and their own potted pheasant, plus their own sauces and potted meats/ rillettes and Susan’s Farm House Fudge will be providing quality homemade crumbly fudge, nougat, Turkish delight and handmade truffles.
Our mouths are watering.
When it comes to the wine, Reserve and Spirited, leading independent wine merchants, will both have some of their finest and diverse bottles on offer. And Pacta Connect, the largest importers of quality wines from northern Croatia in to the UK and Ireland, will have Croatian wine for tasting.
Levanter Fine Foods are a family-run business specialising in providing the best produce & ingredients from the ‘real’ Spain. If you’re looking for outstanding chorizo, Serrano, olive oils & vinegars and even ceramics and tableware then look no further than Levanter Fine Foods, showcasing their wares at Indie Produce Exchange.
One of Manchester's most exciting chefs, Robert Owen Brown of the acclaimed Mark Addy restaurant is hosting his very own local, organic pop up fresh produce shop at the Corn Exchange, giving customers the chance to buy some of the very best fruit and veg that's in season now and grown a matter of minutes away.
Rob is working with Manchester Veg People - a co-operative of local and organic growers - to not only bring their produce to market, but also to whip up hand crafted seasonal soups. Rob will also be purveying organic pulses and wines, plus he'll be running mini demos throughout the event too.
Emma James from Corn Exchange, said: “It’s fantastic to take this incredible building right back to its roots as a produce market for the first time in nearly a century.
“The Corn Exchange made its name as a farmers and produce market and traders would come from miles away to sell their wares here. There’s a real buzz about this event.”
Manchester is officially taking back Corn Exchange as the region’s best retailers, food heroes, producers and fanatics descend to sell their finest produce at the event.
Visit cornexchangemanchester.co.uk for more info.
