Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham’s Garden to Jar founder Sarah Griffin is a finalist for National Young Trader of the Year.
- Her sustainable, handcrafted preserves wowed judges at every competition stage.
- Victory has boosted youth participation in Horsham’s bustling market scene.
- Local businesses and customers have rallied behind her entrepreneurial journey.
- Sarah plans to expand her range and seek investment after the national finals.
Table of Contents
Trader’s Background
From seedlings to shelf—that’s how Sarah Griffin describes her journey. Raised in Horsham, she transformed a backyard passion for home-grown produce into Garden to Jar, a stall specialising in sustainable, handcrafted preserves.
- Young entrepreneur rooted in Horsham’s lively market culture
- Focus on zero-waste production and locally sourced ingredients
- Products range from tangy chutneys to seasonal fruit jams
“Sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s how I live and trade,” Sarah notes, crediting Horsham’s market community for nurturing her ambitions.
Competition Journey
Sarah entered the Young Horsham Trader Competition with cautious optimism. Her preserves quickly stood out in the local heat, propelling her to the regional final where judges assessed:
- Product quality & flavour balance
- Innovative packaging using recycled glass
- Commitment to sustainability
- Growth potential and customer engagement
Her stand became a magnet for visitors, and by the end of the day she secured a coveted spot in the national finals, a feat celebrated by the Sussex Express report.
Achievements & Recognition
On 13 July, Sarah was crowned overall Grocery category winner at the regional event, earning glowing praise:
“Sarah’s dedication to local sourcing represents the future of market trading.” – Competition organiser
This accolade secured her place among the nation’s most promising young traders as she heads to the National Young Trader of the Year finals.
Impact on the Local Community
- Raised the profile of Horsham’s youth market scene
- Sparked fresh, sustainable ideas among peers
- Boosted customer footfall and interest in local produce
Market organisers report a surge in youth stall applications, attributing the uptick to Sarah’s visible success.
Support & Community Involvement
Backed by fellow traders and loyal customers, Sarah’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
- Local cafés feature her preserves on breakfast menus
- Pop-up tasting events organised in partnership with neighbouring stalls
- Mentorship from Horsham’s business incubator for young entrepreneurs
“She’s raising the bar for all of us,” says a neighbouring trader who credits Sarah with invigorating the Saturday market atmosphere.
Future Plans
Looking beyond the finals, Sarah intends to:
- Introduce savoury relishes and low-sugar lines
- Collaborate with local farmers to secure surplus fruit
- Seek ethical investment to scale production sustainably
“I’m honoured to represent Horsham on the national stage,” she enthuses, determined to showcase the town’s entrepreneurial spirit.
FAQs
Who is Sarah Griffin?
She is the Horsham-based founder of Garden to Jar, specialising in sustainable preserves.
What makes Garden to Jar unique?
Every jar uses locally sourced ingredients, recycled packaging and zero-waste production methods.
When is the National Young Trader final?
The final takes place later this summer, with exact dates to be confirmed by market organisers.
How can I support Sarah’s business?
Visit her stall at Horsham market, follow her social media updates, and purchase her seasonal preserves online once her e-shop launches.
Where can I read more about her journey?
A comprehensive article is available via the Sussex Express website.