A national competition to find the Young Trader of the Year is coming to Truo this summer.

Truro Farmer’s Market has announced that it will host one of the heats for the prestigious Young Trader of the Year competition, an annual event run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) which aims to identify and support the next generation of market traders.

Taking place on the June 5 alongside the regular market on Lemon Quay, the heat is open to all entrants between the ages of 16 to 30, and the winners will go through to the South West Regional Final in Wells on July 29.

The public is being urged to come along and support the young stallholders in June, whilst enjoying a great local shopping experience in the heart of the city.

Falmouth Packet: Ugo Massabo of TiramisUGO with Graham Bradshaw, Market Chairman. Picture: Stewart GirvanUgo Massabo of TiramisUGO with Graham Bradshaw, Market Chairman. Picture: Stewart Girvan

The national final takes place at Stratford-on-Avon in August; the ultimate winner receives a cash prize plus the perfect publicity platform from which to build their market trading business.

Stewart Girvan, Market Co-ordinator of Truro Farmer’s Market, said: "We’re pleased to be hosting this heat, and to have several of our regular young traders taking part.

"We’d also like to invite budding new traders to join us.

"We’re taking applications from any young person in Cornwall with a great concept or fledgling idea for a market stall, so please spread the word!"

Any potential young traders should email stewart@trurofarmers.co.uk for more information or to apply.

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Falmouth Packet: Caitlin Walsh of Delea Fermented Foods. Picture: Stewart GirvanCaitlin Walsh of Delea Fermented Foods. Picture: Stewart Girvan

Caitlin Walsh of Delea Fermented Foods, who makes jars of Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kombucha and Curtido using as much local produce as possible, is one established market trader who will be taking part in the competition.

Caitlin’s stall attracts a stream of customers as interest in these delicious and handy foodstuffs is growing thanks to their health benefits and great taste; fermented foods are also a sustainable way to use up a glut of vegetables, save money and time, and reduce food miles.

Another hugely popular market trader taking part in the national competition is Ugo Massabo of TiramisUGO, whose freshly prepared artisan Tiramisu has proved a great success.

Falmouth Packet: Ugo Massabo of TiramisUGO. Picture: Stewart GirvanUgo Massabo of TiramisUGO. Picture: Stewart Girvan

Ugo was inspired to embark on his food business by his family and their time spent together in the kitchen; he inherited his signature recipe from his father Piero, who sadly died suddenly in 2005.

Market Chairman Graham Bradshaw, who mans the Cornish Sea Salt stall at market, said: "The market is like one big community, and of course we are rooting for our two regular stallholders to do well at this competition, but we’re also keen to see what other young people have to offer.

"A regular pitch at market could certainly be found for an aspiring young person with a great idea for a food or a craft stall."

Truro Farmer’s Market has gone from strength to strength in the past year, as shoppers embraced the outdoor shopping experience during the pandemic and enthusiastically showed their support for local producers.

With a renewed buzz and a sense of a positive future ahead, the market has all the more reason to be looking to the next generation.

To find out more about Young Trader of the Year, visit: nmtf.co.uk/campaigns/young-traders-market/