Canterbury's market gardeners, orchardists and small-batch food producers continue to lean on weekend farmers' markets as a key sales channel. For many smaller operators, direct-to-consumer trade now exceeds wholesale.

Stallholders said the model offers higher margins than supermarket distribution, alongside the opportunity to gather direct feedback. Several have used market presence to build email lists and home delivery services that operate independently of the markets themselves.

Seasonal stone fruit, salad greens, cheeses, honey and preserves remain consistent sellers. Newer categories — fermented foods, cold-press juices and plant-based protein products — have grown in visibility over the past few seasons.

Shoppers wanting to support producers directly can also use Open Food Network and a number of local online producer collectives that ship across Christchurch and the wider region.