By Fatima Nahyan and Latifa Zaabi
ABU DHABI – The annual Ripe Market reopened late October at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, introducing more local businesses and fresh organic products.
Becky Balderstone founded Ripe Market in 2011. She started this venture because she wanted people in the UAE to consume organic food. Vendors at Ripe Market mostly sell organic fruits and vegetables, and the market kept expanding every year with more and more businesses joining, mostly from the local community. In addition to fruits and vegetables, they sell clothes, beauty products, local honey, tea, local organic eggs, gluten free items and much more.
Business has expanded into online, offering home delivery and scheduling a day per week for delivering fresh fruits and vegetables.
Beyond Abu Dhabi, Ripe Market has expanded into Dubai, and vendors rent a kiosk if they present a trade license.
Organizers focus on bringing the community together through fun and social functions, with many activities dedicated to children. Several kiosks are specialized in selling organic and healthy food for kids.
They also aim to support local farmers, local artisans and businesses.
This story was originally published on Jan. 9, 2018. It was re-uploaded on Jan. 3, 2021.
