7 BIPOC-Owned Small Businesses To Shop @ Your Local Farmers’ Market

Shopping and supporting local has never been easier with farmers’ market season in full swing across BC. With over 145 farmers’ markets province-wide, markets are an obvious choice for finding the freshest, in season food available, but they’re also great venues for discovering a wide selection of artisan and handmade goods and gifts created by many local talented makers and crafters.

In Vancouver alone, there are countless BIPOC-owned small businesses offering an array of diverse products for purchase. From fresh food and mouthwatering treats to home accessories, jewelry, and more, here are seven BIPOC-owned businesses to keep an eye out for this farmers’ market season!

MÜKASI COFFEE & CO.: Coffee aficionados need to look no further than MÜKASI COFFEE & CO.! Henry Aboagye and Michelle Song began roasting their own coffee beans during the pandemic, and never looked back. Now, the Abbotsford-based duo work with a select group of reputable coffee suppliers to source quality beans from around the world before roasting in small batches for coffee lovers everywhere to enjoy. Find them at farmers’ markets across Vancouver this summer, including the centrally-located Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Mandair Farms: Beautiful berries, in-season vegetables, and stunning flowers, Mandair Farms does it all! A family-owned farm, now run by Sajan Mandair, but founded by his parents Surinder and Jasbir, Mandair Farms makes use of new, innovative farming technologies and practices to produce top quality, local fresh food. All summer long, you can pick up the freshest produce around from Mandair Farms at markets all over Greater Vancouver including Riley Park, Mount Pleasant, Trout Lake, and more.

Morgan’s Harbour: Established in 1994 by Jamaican immigrants, Morgan’s Harbour gets its namesake from a small island town called Port Royal, just south of Jamaica’s capital. Run by Brian Chin – who was born in Kingston, Jamaica – he took over the business (then Hibiscus Foods) upon his uncle’s retirement and rebranded Morgan’s Harbour into what it is today: purveyors of delicious, authentic Jamaican patties! Made with only the best fats for a flaky crust with three different filling options – including a vegan option! – all you have to do is heat and serve. Find them at the West End Farmers’ Market and the Kitsilano Farmers’ Market, among others.

Southern Acres Nursery & Farm: Find Farmer Koo at the Trout Lake and Kitsilano Farmers’ Markets this summer. A must-stop for fresh, in-season produce (think warba potatoes, lettuce, spinach in early summer and corn and berries later on in the season!), beautiful hanging baskets, plants, and more await weekly at Southern Acres Nursery & Farm.

Ruberly Ceramics: Your new favourite coffee mug is waiting at Ruberly Ceramics. Potter Ruby Lee works with a wide variety of materials and textures, to create unique, small batch ceramic pieces for your home. From mugs to dishes to bowls and more, this is functional ceramics at its best. Check out Ruby’s gorgeous pieces at a number of markets this summer!

The Brownie Bakers: What could be better than starting your morning off with coffee and a brownie? Fuel up for a morning at the market at The Brownie Bakers’ food truck! Offering a rotating selection of flavours (including vegan and gluten free treats!), find their adorable food truck at the Trout Lake and Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Markets this summer. After all, “a brownie a day keeps the frownies away”!

Athiana Acres: Growing high-quality produce and vibrant cut-flowers are the hallmarks of Athiana Acres, run by the Panatch family, who originate from the Northern Indian province of Punjab. With a focus on regenerative land care practices and an emphasis on biodiversity and soil conservation, Athiana Acres is a go-to source for everything from beets and broccoli to melons, onions, tomatoes, and so much more. Find them at the False Creek Farmers’ Market every Thursday this summer.

Use the BC Farmers’ Market Trail to find your closest farmers’ market and support the many local BIPOC-owned small businesses throughout the province this summer market season. —Vita Daily