South Australia’s largest farmers’ market, the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market Inc has appointed a new general manager, Elaine Ratcliffe, to drive visitation and build on the success of the Showground and Prospect farmers’ markets.
With more than 17 years’ experience in the South Australian food and wine industry, Elaine brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from working with key industry bodies and leading local brands.
Elaine said her passion for food and people has driven her ambition to work in the food industry.
“I’m excited to join the Adelaide Farmers’ Market and help share my love of fresh, high quality, locally grown produce by showing what our markets have to offer,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
“The Adelaide Farmers’ Market has been operating at the Showground site since 2006 and with our Prospect market now operating for a year, I want to ensure a viable market place for the 100-plus local producers who have stalls at the markets. A key aspect for this is exploring new avenues to promote the markets to increase visitation.
“More and more people are interested to know where their food is coming from and, more importantly, how it is produced. Farmers’ markets allow shoppers to buy direct from local producers, ensuring they are supporting South Australian businesses which has positive flow on effects back into the local economy.”
Adelaide Farmers’ Market Chair, Brenda Oakey said Elaine’s experience and values made her the perfect fit for the role.
“Elaine has experience on all levels – from management to frontline services, so she knows how to effectively communicate with a wide range of our stakeholders. She also understands the farmers’ market from both a regional perspective and industry wide, and is very passionate about food, which are important parts of the job,” Ms Oakey said.
Among her experience, Elaine has worked with successful SA brand Jacob’s Creek at Pernod Ricard Winemakers (previously Orlando Wines) in corporate roles, as well as managerial positions at Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre and Russet Ridge Winery.
Under Elaine’s management, the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre recorded a rise in annual visitation to over 150,000 visitors and won more than a dozen state and national tourism awards and two excellence awards for the restaurant.
She has strong industry networks and insights from various board roles, including as a member of the South Australian Wine and Food Tourism Working Group (2007 – 2013), member and chair of Tourism Barossa Incorporated (2006 – 2012) and Limestone Coast Tourism (2004 – 2006) and a former member of the South Australian Wine Industry Council.
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