The 15th Mercado Rico will be held on March 20 (Friday) - A gathering of bread and coffee shops! This market was started by Tamashima Shinkin Bank to support local restaurants.

Spring is approaching, and opportunities to go out are increasing.

A convenient food to eat when going out is "bread."
Okayama Prefecture is said to be a region with high bread consumption, including the city of Soja, known as the bread town.

We would like to introduce an irresistible event for bread lovers.

What is "Mercado Rico"?

"Mercado Rico" is a market event held every three months at Achi Terrace Kurashiki.

In Spanish, Mercado means "market," and Rico means "rich" or "delicious," so it translates to "delicious market" in Japanese.

The event is organized by Tamashima Shinkin Bank.
It may be rare for a credit union to host a market, but the trigger for the event was the outbreak of COVID-19. It started in 2022 with the aim of supporting local restaurants, effectively utilizing the open space of Achi Terrace Kurashiki, and creating vibrancy in the town.

One feature of Mercado Rico is that each time a theme is set. In the past, there have been straightforward themes like craft beer and Japanese sweets, as well as unique projects such as stores recommended by female staff from Tamashima Shinkin Bank and collaborations with seven credit unions in the prefecture.

The next event will be the 15th edition, themed "Bakery & Cafe", featuring 11 unique stores.

For details such as store information, please check the image below.

Interview with Toshiyaki Sakata from Tamashima Shinkin Bank

We spoke with Toshiyaki Sakata from the Business Planning Department of Tamashima Shinkin Bank, which plans and operates the event.

Please tell us about the background of the "Mercado Rico" project.

Sakata (no honorifics)

Originally, it was triggered by the fact that restaurants were struggling significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To support the restaurants while minimizing infection risks, we planned an event that could be held outdoors and openly as a social solution.

Additionally, the open space of "Achi Terrace Kurashiki," which opened in October 2021, was not being utilized much at that time. By holding the event, we aimed to support restaurants and make effective use of the space.

In fact, we do not charge a booth fee for this event. Our staff handles everything from preparing tents to setting up and dismantling on the day, as well as assisting with sales at each store.

We have a strong desire to create reasons for people to gather in the community, to connect people with each other, and to build "social capital" and contribute to "creating vibrancy in the town."

What are the highlights or points you particularly want people to pay attention to this time?

Sakata

The main theme this time is "bread." Many bakeries recommended by our branches will be participating.

Mercado Rico is held once every quarter, but there has been a challenge in handling bread during the hot season, including product management. March is a perfect season for going out, and this event is a long-awaited project that we have been discussing for a while about wanting to hold a "bread and coffee event."

What do you want visitors to feel through this event?

Sakata

While it is important for people to know that Tamashima Shinkin Bank is engaged in such initiatives, the most important thing is for them to learn about the stores that are participating.

And my greatest wish is for them to feel, "I want to go eat there again" or "I want to visit the actual store next time."

Finally, please give a message to the readers.

Sakata

This time, many bakeries will be participating, so if you come to Achi Terrace Kurashiki, you can enjoy the flavors of each store all at once.

As March begins and it gradually gets warmer, I hope many people will come out to visit.

Conclusion

Among the many markets held, "bread" is a popular category. It is easy to shop around and can be taken home.

On March 20, for those who love bread and coffee, please visit "Achi Terrace Kurashiki."
Since it is expected that items will sell out quickly in the early hours, I recommend arriving early if you have a specific bread in mind.

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