In a season of economic uncertainty with the threat of tariffs looming large, there’s perhaps no better time to explore the best of what Manitoba has to offer. One of the best places to discover great locally made products is the Love Local MB Food, Beer and Wine Event, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
According to event organizer Peter Fehr, the event came about much like many of the products featured at the event do: organically. “I was at a local farmer’s market selling my products,” says Fehr, who also owns the local food brand Gourmet Inspirations. That’s where he got to chatting with some of his other vendors.
“We were like, ‘We have all these amazing vendors around us – why not create a cool event out of it?’”
In its first year, the event welcomed around 200 people to the Winnipeg Winter Club to sample local food and beverage products. Within six years, the event was a regular sellout with over a thousand people in attendance.
“I think it’s all about building relationships,” says Fehr about the event’s success and growth over the years. “I just keep my ears to the ground to what’s happening and what’s new and who’s new on the scene and just build relationships and invite new makers to our event as time goes on. It’s always evolving.”
While Fehr didn’t want to give too much away about the special plans to celebrate the Food, Beer and Wine Event’s tenth anniversary, he did note that each guest will receive a special treat. “We have our featured vendor who’s creating a custom alcohol-free cocktail that you’ll be given as a guest when you come,” Fehr shares, noting that guests will also be greeted by busking musicians on the violin and the accordion.
While the event will feature returning vendors and fresh faces, they all share one thing in common: facing down the challenges of an impending trade war with the United States and the economic ramifications of potential tariffs.
“It’s uncertain times for all of us,” Fehr acknowledges, “so we’re trying to just take one step at a time and try to do our research to figure out what we’re doing with our businesses. But, more than ever, we find it’s important for our local friends and family and community to support us, because we depend on our businesses to feed their families.”
“We’re grateful that Manitoba has supported our Manitoba makers.”
Winnipeggers can continue to show that support at the Love Local MB Premier Food, Beer and Wine Event on March 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. Tickets and more information can be found at Love Local Manitoba's website.
