Cardiff Farmers Markets have made it to the finals of the BOOM (Best of Organic Market) Awards 2025.
With their original Riverside Market launching in 1998, Cardiff Farmers Markets have grown to become some of the best-known farmers’ markets in the U.K. They are widely recognised as key food attractions in the Welsh capital for local residents and visitors alike, with the success of the original Riverside Market enabling them to branch out into a weekly Friday market in Rhiwbina, and a weekly Saturday market inRoath.
Now up against the best that the organic market has to offer, the markets are facing a rigorous judging process by a professional panel of industry experts. The BOOM Awards, run by leading organic certifier Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsor Ocado, honour the brands, organisations and people behind the UK’s organic industry.
Bridging the gap
Over the last year, as part of the Bridging the Gap programme, Cardiff Farmers Markets launched ‘The Planet Card‘ – a collaboration between Cardiff Farmers Markets, Food Cardiff, local organic growers, and community members. Bridging the Gap is a UK-wide programme coordinated by the food and farming charity Sustain, which is testing scalable solutions to food inequality.
‘The Planet Card’ holds a value of up to £11 per week – enabling holders to switch their normal weekly shop for fruit and vegetables to organically produced versions, without being left out of pocket. Shoppers are able to use the card at a choice of organic fruit and vegetable stalls at Roath or Riverside market every weekend.
The initiative is helping to ensure that high-quality, sustainable food is within reach for more people, and is contributing to a fairer, more resilient local food system in Cardiff. Cardiff University is also supporting the project through research and evaluation to better understand its impact and contribute to policy change.
Carol Adams, General Manager of Cardiff Farmers Markets said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. This reflects the dedication of our local growers, market team, and partners working together to make organic food more accessible for people across Cardiff.”
‘Siginificant growth’ in UK organic market
The finalists are being announced at a time when the UK’s organic market is significantly outperforming non-organic, growing 7.3% in 2024. Total sales of £3.7bn are double what they were just 10 years ago (2014 – £1.86bn), according to Soil Association Certification’s 2025 Organic Market Report. Soil Association Certification Commercial and Marketing Director, Georgia Phillips said:
“Demand is growing for organic as more people are looking for products that are better for them and the environment, so we are delighted to see Cardiff Farmers Markets named as a finalist.”
The BOOM Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 10th July 2025 after being judged by Xanthe Clay – chef and author; Romy Gill – chef, author and broadcaster; Briony May Williams – baker and presenter; Jenny Chandler – food writer, chef and teacher; Andy Clarke – food and drink expert; Shonette Laffy – writer and food blogger; and Brin Birathapan – chef and 2024 BBC Masterchef Winner.
You can view the full list of BOOM Awards finalists at: www.soilassociation.org/certification/events/boom-awards/boom-awards-finalists/.
