More than 3,000 people attended the inaugural Mercado de Productores in Guadalajara, held on 23 and 24 October at the Mercado de Abastos. The event aimed to connect consumers with local food products, featuring 30 stalls and an estimated sales rate exceeding 90%, with some products selling out completely.
Organised by the Guadalajara City Council through its Department of Commerce and Tourism, in collaboration with the Provincial Association of Farmers and Ranchers (APAG), the market concluded with high participation in its gastronomic, children's, and cultural activities.
The estimated attendance of over 3,000 visitors and the impressive sales figures reflect the event's success in promoting local products and facilitating direct conversations between consumers and producers. Tasting sessions reached full capacity, and all workshops were fully booked. Children's activities on Friday and Saturday were also well attended, highlighted by a visit from players of Deportivo Guadalajara, much to the delight of young fans.
Juan José Laso, president of APAG, remarked, “The success of this event lies in the fact that producers were able to showcase the high quality of our food and our designations of origin, explaining the hard work behind it. This experience also highlights the daily efforts we make at APAG to support our farmers and ranchers, their products, and the future of our villages.”
Victor Morejón, the city councillor for Commerce and Tourism, added, “The public's response and participation in the activities have been a true success. Seeing the Mercado de Abastos filled with producers, families, and visitors encourages us to continue this initiative and work towards making this space a regular meeting point between commerce, local products, and the residents of the capital.”
Solidarity was also a key aspect of the event, with a popular caldereta (a traditional stew) selling over 1,000 tickets, the proceeds of which will be donated to those affected by the La Mierla fire. This added a charitable dimension to the gathering of rural and urban communities.
The artistic programme left attendees with a positive impression, featuring performances from Wad All Hayara, traditional dances from the Jornadas Mendocinas, and shows by Los Camaroneros and A 4 Gatos, which complemented two days of gastronomy, tradition, and community at the Mercado de Abastos.
