by Jon Miller

Robert Allen has witnessed firsthand the rise of the local foods movement. When he and his wife began Meredith’s Bread in 1987, they served a few Farmer’s Markets two days a week. Most of their ten products sold directly out of the small bakery. As Farmer’s Markets in the Hudson Valley have grown, so has the Allen’s business: Meredith’s Bread now serves customers at 54 Farmer’s Markets.

Selling at so many different venues is an incredible feat of organization. But there are many benefits to this approach. “It’s a direct marketing situation” says Allen. “This way we can be more responsive to our customers. They see where your food comes from, as opposed to one big company that really couldn’t care less about you.”

With over 300 varieties of baked goods today, Allen is constantly experimenting in response to customer feedback. For instance, they recently introduced a whole line of gluten free products, as well as a line of sugar free products. By selling mainly through farmers’ markets, Meredith’s Bread is able to quickly get these goods from the oven to their customers.

“We enjoy experimenting and trying new things all the time,” says Allen. “It’s good to do some new things just to keep the juices flowing.”

In addition to being on hand at Farmer’s Markets, Meredith’s Bread is online at MeredithsBread.com offering wheat free and organic baked goods, including pies, breads, tarts, cookies, jams and rolls. Allen says they use all New York State products whenever they are in season, making their own goods as fresh as can be.

Photo Credit: MeredithsBread.com

At The Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Chamber Of Commerce Of The Nyacks. The Nyack Farmer’s Market is open Thursdays from 8a-2p in the Riverspace parking lot at the corner of Main St and Artopee in Nyack, NY from May through late November.