A Guide to the London Wholesale Markets
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The Wholesale Markets Other Links of Interest A Guide to the Billingsgate Market National Association of Malcolm Macleod British Market Authorities London Wholesale Markets Superintendent of Billingsgate Market www.nabma.com (020) 7987 1118 [email protected] World Union of Wholesale Markets www.wuwm.org Borough Market Billingsgate Market Simone Croften National Association of Borough Market Chief Executive Retail and Farmers Markets (020) 7407 1002 www.farma.org.uk New Covent Garden Market [email protected] National Market Traders Federation New Spitalfields Market New Covent Garden Market www.nmtf.co.uk Smithfield Market Helen Evans London Farmers Markets Western International Market Communications Manager www.lfm.org.uk (020) 7720 2211 [email protected] New Spitalfields Market Ken Alexander Superintendent of New Spitalfields Market (020) 8518 7670 [email protected] Smithfield Market Robert Wilson Superintendent of Smithfield Market (020) 7332 3747 [email protected] Western International Market Richard Day Manager (020) 8583 2142 [email protected] City of London’s Wholesale Markets David Smith Director of Markets City of London (020) 7332 1678 [email protected] Brochure Design: February London Photography: John Nassari Illustration: Mike Wall The London Wholesale Markets — Introduction As the operators responsible Another area that we want to jointly focus for the six wholesale markets on was highlighted by the 2007 GLA study on the wholesale markets of London. This report of London: Borough Market, made it clear that there is no one vision or Billingsgate Market, New Covent coherent and consistent framework for markets. Garden Market, Smithfield Market, Given their importance to London we are keen to address this. It is therefore our intention New Spitalfields and Western to re-launch the Association of London Markets International Market, our aim is as a body to represent not just our common to highlight the significant role that interests but also the other retail, farmers and our markets play in ‘London food’. street markets across each of the 33 boroughs to ensure that the voice of markets is heard to the benefit of our traders, their customers and Londoners. With an ever increasing and diverse population, demand for good quality food in We hope you find this booklet useful, that London has never been greater. At the same you are able to visit our markets at some point time interest is growing in a number of high first-hand to see just what we are talking profile agendas linked to food – these include about and that you agree that raising health, the environment, local produce and awareness of the economic and social sustainability – all of which impact upon importance of wholesale and retail markets the wholesale markets. across the capital is of great value to all. Our markets are already a key part of food service across the Capital and beyond, an existing supply chain for hotels, restaurants and independent shops as well as the retail Simone Croften markets. There is also now great scope for them Chief Executive Borough Market to be adapted further given the necessary support and direction to, for example, develop further ethnic, regional or seasonal produce. To date we have often been seen as either David Smith competitors or as independent institutions. Director of Markets City of London However as this booklet will illustrate there are also some common strands to the markets’ work which has already encouraged cross working between us. Most recently this has included working together to educate children Jan Lloyd at schools around our markets about where Chief Executive New Covent Garden Market their food comes from and healthy eating, and helping them understand how the food on their plate at school got there. Richard Day Manager Western International Market The London Wholesale Markets — The Importance of Markets Markets have been an integral part of London life for hundreds of years. Environmental All Party Parliamentary Markets Group Traditionally produce on a market stall uses Despite the rise of multiples and out of town shopping centres they remain Successful markets matter in all their forms. less packaging, often being sold loose rather Whether they are wholesale, specialist, at the heart of city life. than wrapped or boxed which means less waste. farmers’, street or covered markets, they At the wholesale markets, many operators add contribute to the social, environmental and value by semi-preparing the food (peel, slice, economic well-being of the nation. dice and juice), meaning less waste is generated Markets Policy Framework 2007 at the retail outlet. The wholesale markets have and will continue to work together to benchmark waste management practices and reduce its impact on the environment. London Assembly Report on London’s Retail Markets Community cohesion Markets epitomise entrepreneurship and have London enjoys undeniable economic, social often proved to be the incubators for small and cultural benefits from its markets… businesses that have gone onto develop into They supply the people of London – especially larger companies. In particular they offer those on low incomes – with affordable high more deprived sectors of the community the quality food. They attract jobs and income to opportunity to create jobs and businesses. the local economy. People Dee Doocey AM Above all, markets are about people. People Chair of the Economic Development, Culture, It is not just the huge range of produce Food and health policy who know their product and can share their Sport and Tourism Committee Jan 2008 that these markets sell that benefits London. Markets are important in supplying good passion and knowledge. Everyone loves markets Together they have a significant impact – socially, quality food, especially fresh fruit and vegetables because they are the last vestige of theatre economically, culturally and environmentally at affordable prices. They often stock niche in a sterile retail environment. They are a GLA Report on London’s on the communities in which they are both ethnic and organic goods appropriate to chance to connect to the producer; they make Wholesale Markets 2007 located and which they serve. This importance their customers as well as local and seasonal shopping an entertaining and educational of markets to the UK in general and London produce, encouraging consumers to buy in a …wholesale markets continue to play a experience and bring all these benefits to in particular has recently been recognised by more sustainable manner. Their traditionally valuable role in London and the wider region. hundreds of locations across London. key policy makers at a national, regional and central locations also mean that they are more They have responded to their changing local level. Several reports in the last few years accessible by foot and public transport and are circumstances and now offer new products have drawn on the important role of markets to able to supply volumes of food appropriate and services. a diverse range of individuals and communities. for customers, whether they are a single shopper or a family. Regeneration and economic vibrancy Culture and tourism Markets not only provide the opportunity Many markets in London are household names for choice and diversity but also help increase and tourist attractions in their own right, as footfall in town centres, boosting other well as serving their immediate communities. businesses and services within the area. They London is home to over 60 different cuisines deliver business-led solutions to regeneration and its multicultural diversity is celebrated in schemes through assisting in job creation and its markets, the produce that they stock and opportunities for business start ups. Markets the customers which they serve. Individual are also felt to heavily influence the character traders often can act as ‘brand ambassadors’ of areas, encouraging interaction between for their respective culture or ethnic grouping different community groups and playing and encourage diversity and integration of a key role in the vibrancy and attractiveness cultures across London. of town centres. The London Wholesale Markets — How London’s Markets Work The Markets Producers The wholesale markets of London: Borough Market, Billingsgate Market, New Covent Garden Market, > Fish > UK Growing interest in Smithfield Market, New Spitalfields Market and > Meat > Imported healthy eating and where Western International Market are the central but often less well understood means by which Londoners get > Fruit & Veg food comes from their food. Sometimes described as the alternative channel of distribution, it is through these six markets > that London and Londoners are able to consume the high quality of produce which is found across the capital. Wholesale Markets Between them the markets are home to over 680 individual traders who in turn supply thousands of customers, from > Face-to-Face Flexibility, range, local, hotels and restaurants, schools and prisons, delicatessens, > Distributors seasonal good quality, florists, market traders and corner shops. ethnic, organic > Processors Due to historic practice and protective legislation these six markets are also significant landholders, between > them covering over 134 acres of London across six boroughs. Over the years their role and function has changed as they have adapted to the changing demands Customers placed upon them.