Did you know that 20% of the world's vegetables are grown right here in Chatham-Kent? This has given rise to our slogan "We Grow For the World." Chatham-Kent is proud to be the number one producer in all of Canada when it comes to carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, green peas, pumpkins and tomatoes. Plus, Chatham-Kent is home to the largest fresh water commercial fishing port in the world in Wheatley.
Seasonally you can attend local farmers' markets and roadside stands sprinkled throughout the communities of CK featuring a variety of products. Depending on the time of year, you will find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, canned goods and more. Know what's in season and when with the Chatham-Kent Buy Local Buy Fresh guide.
Chatham-Kent is also home to several meat producers where you can purchase direct from the farm.
Visit Buis Beef in Chatham where they raise, finish and sell their beef in their retail store. Buis Beef features direct from the farm raised, raised from birth beef without antibiotics or hormones.
Stop in to J & E Meats just east of Dresden, in Croton, for farm-to-table hormone and antibiotic free beef. You are encouraged to bring your reusable bag or cooler (all products are frozen) and shop in the on-farm store. Be sure to ask about their pork, beef and summer BBQ bundles.
Roesch Meats and More has proudly been serving CK since 1995. Their pork is fed and raised on-site without the use of hormones or antibiotics and they sell only Ontario pork, beef and chicken. Ask about their 40 varieties of homemade sausage, bulk freezer packs, free-run brown eggs, meat pies and more.
2023 Farmers' Markets
Chatham-Kent is home to several markets that run weekly or bi-weekly. Here you will find a collection of goods from a variety of vendors.
- 180 Main Street E., Ridgetown, ON
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Every Saturday starting May 13th until October 14th
Wallaceburg Farmers' Market
- Municipal Parking Lot "D" on James Street, Wallaceburg
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- June 3rd & 17th, July 1st, 15th & 29th, August 12th & 26th, September 9th & 23rd and October 7th
Craft Beer and Wine
Looking for locally brewed craft beers and wine? Look no further than Chatham-Kent's Corks and Kegs Trail
Bayside Brewing Co.
Bayside Brewing Co. has been offering brewing premium craft beer sine 2012 in the village of Erieau. Sample craft brews and dine on a selection of tasty creations, including pizza from their wood fired oven. Enjoy a pint and a pizza overlooking beautiful Rondeau Bay in the Brew Pub or on the patio, or order to-go. Check out the Bayside Brewing website for options during COVID.
Sons of Kent Brewing Co.
Located in downtown Chatham, Sons of Kent Brewing Company opened in 2017. Step into what was once a former iconic movie theatre, transformed into a brew house complete with an on-site tasting room. With a focus on producing premium craft beer, the brew masters use traditional methods and modern ingredients. Visit them for take-out or enjoy the patio and on-site dining and experience their incredible hospitality. Check out the Sons of Kent website for options during COVID.
Red Barn Brewing Co.
Denny, Sandy and Dan started making craft beer in 2014, inspired by their family histories in homebrewing and farming. Red Barn Brewing Co. officially opened in 2020 and remains focused on family, farm and beer. Situated in Blenheim on 100 acres of third-generation farmland, Red Barn Brewing Co. offers a wide array of staple and seasonal beers to suit all tastes. Check out the Red Barn Brewing website for options during COVID.
Early Acres Estate Winery (online orders or in-store Fri - Sun)
The vineyard at Early Acres Estate Winery in Chatham is situated on seven and a half acres of sandy loam soil, perfectly suited to successfully grow the grapes that go into their wines. Sample the wines, stroll through the vineyard, or take in one of their many seasonal special events. Visitors can even bring their own picnic and pair it with the perfect partnering glass or bottle of wine, for an extra special day out. Check out the Early Acres Estate Winery website for options during COVID.