When it was founded more than 147 years ago, the Adelaide Central Market was a fraction of its size today. It was unlikely to have had a French-inspired patisserie as a tenant. And even less likely to have had a young, female entrepreneur behind the counter.

The Market’s first Producer in Residence program shows how much has changed.

The Producer in Residence initiative adds an exciting new dimension to one of Adelaide’s finest institutions, an opportunity to showcase the local produce for which SA is understandably proud.

More than 8.5 million people visit the Market each year, many of whom are overseas visitors attracted to a place that is the hallmark of fine, fresh produce and has a loyal clientele of many thousands of South Australians.

Visitors to the Market will now have something special to add to their perusal of the Market’s 70 existing traders.

The Producer in Residence project gives innovative food businesses an opportunity to offer their wares for a two-week period in an architecturally-designed retail space, for a modest fee of $275 (including GST) to cover rental and electricity costs.

I was delighted to officially open the new stall and see the first Producer in Residence was Keva Freeman, the owner of Sucre Patisserie and a participant in the South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (SAYES) - the highly successful program managed by Business SA which has been mentoring and supporting young start-up businesses for the past 18 years.

Keva, an Adelaide born and trained pastry chef who has worked in Paris, Scotland and England, is passionate about South Australian produce and is bringing a unique approach to her patisserie, cakes and confections.

We looking forward to seeing many more ‘foodies’ taking up residence in the north-west corner of the market in coming months.