Tauranga Farmers Market manager Trixie Allen is the ‘manager of the year' after winning the national award at the Taste Farmers Market Awards.

It was the first time this award was contested and goes well alongside the other award won by the Tauranga market; with it placing second overall.

Tauranga Farmers Market manager Trixie Allen.

'I'm really proud for myself and for the market and stall holders as it's really a team effort,” says Trixie.

'I've been in the position of manager for three years and this is the first time this award has been awarded.”

Managers were judged on their overall technique, how they dealt with stallholders, members of the public and customers.

'It's been a challenging joy to do,” says Trixie.

The overall winner award was based on an online vote by the public.

Trixie says the Tauranga Farmers Market was leading the way right throughout the online voting in March and April.

'But just like a marathon race, you don't know who wins until someone crosses the finish line.”

In the end it was the Otago Farmers Market which won.

Trixie says the awards are recognition for the market by members of the public.

'In the producers section, Bay Quality Fish Smokers, from Tauranga, came highly commended in the ‘from the sea/river' category, which I think is really fantastic.”