He met with local stallholders and producers before creating his unique market menu using produce he sourced from the market. 

Fresh fare whipped up in front of patrons included panko, coconut abalone with chilli and chive sour cream dip using produce from Yumbah Abalone and Schulz Organic Dairy. 

There was seared mozzarella wrapped in smoked ham with figs with produce from Shaw River Buffalo Cheese, Brendan Bouchier butcher and Nappa Merri. 

Aromas wafted through the crowd as he made beef lollypops using Kangaroobie Meats and Phil O'Connor Organic produce and drop scones with rhubarb chutney, featuring items from Caravan Eggs, Lana's Garden and Clayto's Citrus Orchard.

Harriott was in Warrnambool, one of only of six Australian locations chosen to feature in his television program Ainsley's Market Menu. It will debut on SBS later this year and will be broadcast in up to 130 countries worldwide.

The film crew and Harriott were there at the crack of dawn capturing how the market came to life, while highlighting the fresh produce and the stories of the people behind them.

Harriott said he wanted to show people they could create simple fare at home  using fresh produce without too much preparation. 

He said people were returning to market grown produce and seeking out more wholesome and organic foods as they were increasingly aware of their health. 

Market manager Tania Ferris said it was awesome to have Harriott in the region and his market visit attracted more than 3000 people. “He’s a natural. He loves food, he loves getting out and exploring the region and talking to the people and the producers. It’s really wonderful.”

She said there were 70 food producers at the market which is in its third year. It started with 20 stall holders.

Mrs Ferris said council contacted her with the opportunity to have Harriott visit the market. 

“I put together a tender. We had to put together a package to really highlight what our market was about and from that we were chosen. It’s pretty incredible to be chosen from all of Victoria.

“There was six (markets) in total and we’re the only one from Victoria. It’s pretty great for the local area...The food industry and the tourism down here is going to benefit from this.”

Mrs Ferris said the market had a local focus and it was all about letting the local farmers and producers shine. 

“This TV show is for the producers as well,” she said. “It’s about rewarding them for all the hard work that they do and really getting the food and the food culture of the south-west out there,” she said. “I think you start small, you build on it, you keep it going and that’s why it’s so successful.

“Every fortnight rain, hail or shine that’s where we are because farmers don’t stop growing because it’s raining. That’s usually our bumper season and the locals are down there and they’re supporting it.

“We need to learn to eat local and eat seasonally and shop at our markets and understand where our food comes from. We don’t need to be buying imported food when there’s local food available.”  

Mrs Ferris thanked the market producers for their work behind the scenes on Sunday and Warrnambool City Council and Great Ocean Road Tourism for their support and belief in the market. “Not every producer was able to be featured in the TV production but we very much are a united market and every producer there makes the market special,” she said.

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