There is a new and delicious retail offering in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct this summer.
The Argus museum display area is now sharing space with The Argus Trading Co-op – a pop-up business venture offering locals and visitors ‘Otago’s finest food in one place’.
Sandy Black, of Dunford Grove Olive Oils, has gathered a great range of artisan producers, all willing to make their wares available every day throughout the summer.
“I’ve had the idea for a long time that a larder would be a great addition to the precinct,” says Sandy, “So when the venue became available we took the opportunity to bring our products to the public throughout the week.” There you will find, besides Sandy’s award-winning olive oil, all the goodies from Gertz Larder, meat from Blue Mountain Butchery, cheese, handmade pasta and gnocchi, nuts, honey, preserves and more.
Members of the co-operative are rostered on to keep the shop open daily.
This was a requirement of the Old Cromwell Trust, as The Argus is also an information site for the precinct.
Sandy believes that there is a benefit for the customer in the rostered system, in that every artisan involved brings something unique to the enterprise and is happy to share stories and knowledge. Jo Robinson, of Scrubby Gully Preserves and Peonies says, “It’s a brilliant opportunity to show off our Central Otago produce at its best.”
The co-operative is committed to run through until Easter, “And if that flies, we will consider being open longer, if not all year.”
Sandy would really like to have two or three more vendors – local artisan producers with a different range of products to contribute.
If you are a local producer keen to contribute, Sandy may be contacted at the Dunford Grove stall in the Farmers Market on a Sunday, or on www.dunfordgrove.com
