Meet The Kiama Makers
Discover the faces behind the flavours: Unveiling a handful of our fabulous makers of our Kiama region
Kiama Farmers’ Market
Nestled next to Surf Beach at Coronation Park, Kiama Farmers’ Market is a beacon of freshness and community spirit. Every Wednesday, from 3 pm to 6 pm (or 2 pm to 5 pm during non-daylight savings time), the market buzzes with activity, offering a scenic backdrop for your weekly shopping expedition. But it’s not just a market; it’s a celebration of locally grown and produced goods, a place where families gather, and the community thrives.
The market kicks off with the ringing of a bell, a symbolic start that echoes the commitment to supporting local growers, producers, and makers. Kids play on the beach, families picnic on the grass, and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food. From seasonal produce to seafood, Wagyu beef to honey, and gelato to cider, the Kiama Farmers’ Market is a treasure trove of delights. So who exactly are the faces behind the flavours at Kiama Farmers’ Market? Keep reading to meet our talented locals who are bringing our community and visitors together one bite at a time…
Tilda & Cacao
Sarah and Erik are the dynamic duo behind Tilda & Cacao. Sarah, with over 14 years as a pastry chef and chocolatier, and Erik, driven by a passion for positive change, embarked on a journey to create ethically sourced, sustainable chocolate. Inspired by their daughter Rosie Tilda, the couple moved from Sydney to Gerringong on the NSW South Coast, laying the foundation for Tilda & Cacao.
Focused on ethical living, Tilda & Cacao crafts stone-ground nib-to-bar chocolate using raw organic Criollo cacao blended with local and native Australian ingredients. Each chocolate is a testament to their commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality. Pay Sarah and Erik a visit at the Old Schoolhouse shop in Gerringong every Thursday and Friday. There you can savour a boutique range of chocolates, and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of their signature T&C hot chocolate in the courtyard.
Buena Vista Farm
Buena Vista Farm, steeped in history since 1859, is a family-owned haven for sustainable living. Fiona and Adam, the current owners, have transformed the farm into a diverse operation to support their young family. From laying hens to grass-fed beef, market and kitchen gardens to free-range pigs, Buena Vista Farm is a testament to wholefood cooking.
Beyond their produce, Buena Vista Farm offers masterclasses in sourdough making, cheesemaking, ferments, probiotics, and “from scratch” cooking workshops. Animal lovers can enjoy in their Goat Therapy Farm tours, as an opportunity to meet the goats, pigs, turkeys, geese, and cows. While the farm itself is only open for arranged visits, all their produce is available at the Kiama Farmers’ Market every Wednesday.
Little Earth Roasters
In the heart of Kiama, Little Earth Roasters takes coffee seriously. Roasting their beans in small batches on a 15kg Roastmax drum roaster, this artisanal coffee roaster is a testament to the pursuit of quality. Founded in 2019 by Lau, an ex-pilot from Peru turned coffee roaster, Little Earth Roasters focus on unlocking the unique characteristics and flavours of each origin.
You can witness the roasting process firsthand by visiting their store and talking to the roaster through the open window of their in-house roast room. Lau’s commitment to experimentation recently earned Little Earth Roasters a silver medal in the 2022 Australian International Coffee Awards for their house blend, “Chasky.” Whether you’re setting up your home with organic coffee beans or enjoying a cup at a local café, Little Earth Roasters ensures you taste the difference.
As you explore the local streets or wander through the stores at Kiama Farmers’ Market, take a moment to connect with the makers behind the products. Support local businesses by visiting their shops, properties, or catching them at the market. Your choices make a difference, and at Kiama Farmers’ Market, every purchase is a vote for a healthier, happier community that supports the likes of Sarah, Erik, Fiona, Adam and Lau.
Belinda Williams
