There’s something magical about Northern Ireland’s local markets. The early morning chill. The smell of fresh bread and hot coffee drifting through the air. Stallholders nodding to one another as they set up. Customers wrapped in scarves, wandering between stands, searching for something handcrafted, honest and full of heart.
For us at Jackson Roze, the markets became one of the most meaningful parts of our year. A season of early mornings, friendly faces and sharing what we love with the very people who inspire us to keep going.
Setting Off Across the Country
This year, we packed up our bottles, crates, samples and that familiar mix of excitement and nerves, and travelled across Northern Ireland to bring Jackson Roze to more people than ever before.
From the electric atmosphere of Belfast’s iconic St George’s Market to the charm of community pop-ups in Lisburn, Portadown, Newry and everywhere in between, each location had its own personality. Its own rhythm. Its own mix of locals and visitors ready to taste something new.
Every market felt like a fresh adventure.
Sharing What Makes Jackson Roze Special
There is nothing quite like watching someone try a Jackson Roze product for the first time. Whether it was a ginger shot that gave them that fiery kick or a sip of ginger wine that surprised them with warmth and smoothness, every reaction reminded us why we do what we do.
At the markets, we had the chance to:
Pour samples and see genuine first impressions
Share the story of how Jackson Roze began
Explain the craft behind our ingredients
Answer questions and give recommendations
Talk about new products, flavours and seasonal creations
And the best part? The conversations.
Some customers told us they had never tried anything ginger-based before. Others came rushing back week after week, bringing friends, family and co-workers to try it for themselves. A few even stocked up on bottles as Christmas gifts or weekend treats.
Each moment felt personal. Real. And unforgettable.
Our Roots are the markets!
When Jackson Roze first started, the markets were our foundation. They were the place we learned what people loved, what flavours made them smile, and what ideas sparked excitement. Being on the road again this year reminds us just how important that connection still is.
The markets taught us:
To listen carefully to what customers want
To appreciate the power of real-world feedback
To stay grounded in our community
To continue improving, innovating and experimenting
To remember that Jackson Roze is more than a bottle – it is a shared experience
These interactions gave us new ideas for flavours, seasonal ranges, gift options and product improvements. Every conversation became inspiration.
A Year of Friendly Faces
One of the most rewarding things about the markets was seeing familiar faces return. Some came to restock their ginger shots. Others brought friends to introduce them to ginger wine or to pick up a gift box. A few even shared their own serving ideas or stories about how Jackson Roze had become part of their weekly routine.
Moments like these made every early morning worth it. The people we met were supportive, warm and genuinely interested in the journey of a small local brand.
Northern Ireland’s market community is special - supportive, talented and full of passion. We felt grateful to be a part of it.
A Celebration of Local Craft
Beyond sharing our own products, being surrounded by fellow makers and producers made the experience even richer. Every market was a celebration of:
Local food
Artisan craft
Handmade goods
Independent businesses
Authentic community spirit
You can feel the heart behind each stall. It is inspiring, energising and a reminder of why local craft matters.
Looking Ahead to the Next Season
This year reminded us that the markets will always be part of the Jackson Roze DNA. The conversations, the laughter, the cold mornings, the warm reactions, the sense of togetherness - they are all part of our story.
We will be back on the road, and we cannot wait to meet more of you. So if you see the Jackson Roze stall at a market near you, please stop by, say hello, and let us pour you a little sample.
We would love to share a bit of warmth with you.
A moment to connect.
And a taste of something crafted with care.
Here’s to more markets, more memories and many more friendly faces along the way.
