Wild Hog Country Market celebrates five years of serving the community

Wild Hog Country Market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, dairy products, baked goods and specialty food items. The market is open Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Five years after opening its doors east of Stratford, Wild Hog Country Market is celebrating a milestone anniversary and thanking the customers who have helped make the business a success.

Located on Highway 7/8 east of Stratford, the market has become a popular destination for shoppers looking for locally sourced meats, fresh produce, baked goods and specialty food products.

Owners Marvin and Wendy Bachert, along with their son, Devin, said it is hard to believe five years have passed since the family opened the retail store.

The Bachert family's roots in the meat business go back even further. In 1975, Marvin Bachert's parents, Keith and Janet Bachert, established a butcher shop on the family farm. Janet Bachert, a member of the Bender family, has roots in the Tavistock area.

Today, the original butcher shop near Walton operates as Bachert Meats Inc., owned by the Bacherts' eldest son, Derick, and his wife, Kaitlynn.

Marvin Bachert said the family had long been involved in livestock production and meat processing but recognized the need for a retail outlet where customers could purchase their products directly.

That vision led to the creation of Wild Hog Country Market.

"As we reach this milestone, we would like to sincerely thank all our patrons for the support, loyalty and encouragement that have made Wild Hog Country Market what it is today," the family said. "We are very grateful to be part of the Stratford and Perth County community."

To mark the anniversary, the market is hosting a week-long celebration from June 16-20 featuring storewide specials, daily prize draws, product samples, ice cream and other surprises for customers.

One anniversary feature is a special burger made from a blend of 50 per-cent beef and 50 per-cent pork. The burgers will be available at discounted pricing throughout the celebration week.

The market is also inviting customers to participate in a contest called "What Does Wild Hog Mean to You?" Participants are encouraged to submit photos and stories that capture their Wild Hog experience for a chance to win a specially curated gift package.

The Bachert family said they appreciate both longtime customers and those who have recently discovered the market.

Whether shoppers have been visiting since opening day or are stopping in for the first time, the family hopes everyone will join them in celebrating five years of business and community support.