What is REKO?
REKO is where farmers and makers - be that fresh produce, skincare, cheese, local chef prepared meals, eggs, meat, baked goods - advertise what they have available to purchase at the weekly pick-up.
Customers place their weekly order, pay online, and then pick up their goodies at a pre-determined drive-thru location and time.
REKO is essentially on online farmer’s market where farmers and makers sell direct to their local community, without the middlemen. It is run by locals for locals featuring fresh produce from the immediate region and re-establishing a real connection between the consumer and the farmer or maker.
REKO (Ra-ko) is an acronym for the Finnish words, “rejäl konsumtion” meaning responsible consumption. The first one was created by a farmer in Finland in 2013 and is now a global phenomenon.
There are over six hundred REKO rings with over 2 million members in 14 different countries.
Bringing REKO to Australia
In early 2020, Jacki Hinchey of Blue Dog Farm heard about the success of REKO in Scandinavia and thought “Okay, sounds good but we don’t need it here.” Fast forward three months, and as national food supply chains failed due to covid-19 border closures, labour shortages and port disruption, it was evident that we did need it and we needed it immediately.
The innovative and disruptive market model is simple, inclusive and user friendly. Initially using facebook groups to connect producers and consumers, it quickly gained a strong following. Local communities sought out producers and makers not only to satisfy the demand but also with a sense of sustainability, social conscience and solidarity. It also gave start-ups a low barrier to entry from which to build their businesses.
Since this initial launch, the inaugural REKO Dayboro has grown to become a sustainable model, now adopted by over seven local REKO networks throughout South East Queensland and is now being rolled out Australia-wide with the incorporation of REKO Australia as a not-for-profit organisation.
