Cowbridge Country Market : About us

Markets began in the UK as an initiative of the WI movement in 1919 at a time of national economic difficulty and unrest following the First World War. They were able to help not only their members, but unemployed people, pensioners and ex-servicemen to sell surplus garden produce.

For 100 years a network of Country Markets has been selling homemade baked goods, preserves and home grown fruit, vegetables, plants and crafts across England, Wales and the Channel Islands, as well as participating in farmers' markets and other local markets and food fairs.

Country Markets is a co-operative social enterprise with about 9,500 members of local county societies working under the umbrella of Country Markets Ltd of which the societies are the members. Our aim is to promote diverse and delicious local food to the public and our organisation prides itself on the quality of its products and for keeping traditions alive, as well as creating friendly shopping environments.

Cowbridge Country Market started as the WI Market in July 1967. The first market took £22.9s.6d! Country Markets Ltd was formed in 1995 to operate as the business arm of the WI, and since then the old "WI Markets" have been rebranded.