The Royal Adelaide Show will not go on this year due to COVID-19 concerns. The announcement––which follows last year’s similar pandemic-induced cancellation––is detrimental not only to Royal Show organisers, but also to the vendors.
Many South Australian small businesses, the event’s would-be participants, spent all year gearing up for the anticipated sales, paying with their personal funds, sleepless nights, and overstock of (often perishable) items. Now that the event has unfortunately been cancelled, these companies need their community’s help to sell their goods. Here are some businesses you can support.
Charlesworth Nuts
South Australia’s Charlesworth Nuts was very much looking forward to the Royal Adelaide Show.
“The Show was a shining light that we were all looking forward to, to brighten our days amidst some pretty gloomy times… Like many SA companies, the cancellation will have a big impact on our business and on our team,” they say.
“So, for today, we just wanted to reassure you that the 6 Charlesworth Showbags that so many South Australians know and love, will definitely be made available to you still. You will get your fix.”
While they’re still working out exactly how to deliver the showbags, you can buy their products here.
Australian Native Food Co.
Australian Native Food Co. had two sites booked for the Show showcasing their stock, and they’re now out tens of thousands of dollars due to its cancellation. Their products include jams, native bush dukkah, wild-harvested teas, vegan chocolate, relish, verjuice and then our reed diffusers, candles, scrubs, bath soaks and more.
“Leading up to the event we have made in excess of $40k of stock to come with the demand for the show. All of our products are paid for in advance and made by our staff,” owner Rebecca says.
“Now we are out of pocket big time and putting the business under huge financial stress. Although we can sell at our Marion store, the volume is nowhere near as great to be able to sell the products we have made.”
In order to buy some wonderful native products and help out a local business make up for $40,000 of stock, shop their products here.
Little Birdie Candles
“It has taken me over a year to prepare for the Royal show. To have it cancelled 2 weeks out now means we have over 4000 candles sitting here in my home,” shares Mel from Riverland’s Little Birdie Candles. The company, which sells candles, car diffusers, and other scented products, has delicious-sounding scents of dirty chai latte, French pear, kaffier lime and cocoa butter, and more.
The company owner shares a “devastated” plea to potential customers after the Royal Show’s cancellation, an event which would have been a “massive opportunity to promote my Riverland proud business in our newly rebranded stock.”
“Please reach out to your locals, buy their products and support them.”
Country Women’s Association
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) made copious amounts of jam, but they are determined to not let it go to waste. The CWA encouraged its volunteers to continue making their marmalades and jams despite the Royal Show’s cancellation because they may just host a little event of their own.
“We are working towards running our own mini version of the Royal Adelaide Show incorporating the Country Cafe and the Pop Up Marquee,” they write. Keep up to date with their Facebook for event details.
Kytons Bakery
Hot cross bun and lamington extraordinaires Kytons Bakery were among the intended vendors at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show. In addition to sharing their own tips for how to help out would-be participants, they say they’ll keep their community updated with their own plans for sales.
“Many South Australians (including most Royal Show traders) are sad that the Royal Adelaide Show has been cancelled for the second year in a row,” they share.
“Here at Kytons, we a busy putting together some plans of our own, and we should have some news on those later in the coming week.”
FruChocs
Iconic SA brand Robern Menz has announced they will create a dedicated “Showbag Stand” page on their online store, so you can still get your showbag fix despite the Show’s cancellation.
Fans will be able to get their hands on some of their favourite showbags, in eight delicious flavours:
Violet Cumble Bag ($12)
Fruit n Nut Bag (Classic Chocs) ($15)
Massive Bag ($40)
FruChocs Bag ($15)
Mega Bag ($20)
Bumbles Bag ($15)
JeliChocs Bag ($15)
The online Showbag Stand is currently in the process of being set up online, with sales available from as soon as next week and showbags also to be sold in South Australia’s Robern Menz retail outlets.
Veggie Paws
Aldinga dog treat company Veggie Paws was set to head to the Royal Show, so they still have their adorable showbags available for purchase.
“Veggie Paws is a small Adelaide business based in Aldinga Beach. We create handmade, plant-based treats for dogs in a variety of fun flavours such as ‘Double Choc Mudcake’ and ‘Mango Cheesecake’ which will get both you and your dog drooling,” owner Nicole Perry says.”
Head to their website to make your pup’s day!
The Cheeky Chocolate Queen
With sea salt dark chocolate, apricot coconut cashew milk chocolate, and many more fun varieties, The Cheeky Chocolate Queen was set to head to the Royal Show with their fun chocolate treats. Due to their overstock of chocolate now, the company will soon announce showbag specials!
“I have already made 1000s of chocolates for my vegan show bags and choc frog show bags as well as 1000s of other chocolates for The Royal Adelaide Show,” owner Rebecca shares.
“When all chocs are packed and in bag, I will announce show specials.”
Heavenly Jerky
As the jerky shop put it: “EXCESS STOCK MUST GO!”
Heavenly Jerky has more than 15 flavours of jerky that were supposed to be on offer at the Royal Adelaide Show. They’re now selling their overstock in bundles of six and ten packs, so be sure to check out their offerings!
Melba’s Chocolates
Melba’s Chocolates is a fan favourite at the Royal Adelaide Show, and despite the cancellation of the event, they are hopeful that they can give back to the community by offerings their famous showbags for sale on their website.
There are nine showbags on offer, and there is something for everyone. Whether you like chocolate frogs or licorice, or prefer a small bag of bite-sized treats or something more substantial, there are so many amazing bags available. Price points are $12, $25 and $60.
With free shipping over $40, there is no better excuse to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Steiny’s Traditional Metwurst
We all love having a stroll around the Show and sampling all the tasty food that is on offer. Steiny’s is one of our favourites for something savoury, and with the cancellation of the event, they need the help of the public to support them.
The 100% South Australian authentic family business uses small batch artisan crafting techniques to make exceptional quality Mettwurst with a distinctive flavour that is all about the Barossa Valley. Adding to their already amazing online shop are the Father’s Day packs that were due to launch at the Royal Show. It comes in three different varieties; No Chilli, Mild Chilli and Hotter Chilli and they all retail for $45. These truly make the perfect Fathers Day gift (or even a gift for yourself).
Whites Valley Jalapeños
Another local business that has been hit hard but the Show’s cancellation is Whites Valley Jalapeños. They spent thousands of dollars spent on jars, bottles, labels, packaging and local farmers’ produce, as well as countless hours working hard on their farm and on their products, and so they are obviously devastated to have the Show be cancelled again.
Support the business by shopping their delicious products online or by keeping an eye out on their website and social media pages for their next local market appearance. Whites Valley Jalapeños is set to be making an appearance at the upcoming Stirling Market on Sunday August 22, and they will be stocking all of their amazing Father’s Day gift packs.
Shop Whites Valley Jalapeños online here.
If you or someone you know has a business that was impacted by the Royal Show cancellation, please reach out to [email protected] with your information.
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