A Guide to the London Wholesale Marketsdocshare04.docshare.tips/files/23855/238551368.pdf ·...

The Wholesale Markets

Billingsgate MarketMalcolm Macleod Superintendent of Billingsgate Market (020) 7987 1118 [email protected]

Borough MarketSimone Croften Chief Executive (020) 7407 1002 [email protected]

New Covent Garden MarketHelen Evans Communications Manager (020) 7720 2211 [email protected]

New Spitalfields MarketKen Alexander Superintendent of New Spitalfields Market (020) 8518 7670 [email protected]

Smithfield MarketRobert Wilson Superintendent of Smithfield Market (020) 7332 3747 [email protected]

Western International MarketRichard DayManager(020) 8583 [email protected]

City of London’s Wholesale MarketsDavid Smith Director of Markets City of London (020) 7332 1678 [email protected]

Other Links of Interest

National Association of British Market Authorities www.nabma.com

World Union of Wholesale Markets www.wuwm.org

National Association of Retail and Farmers Markets www.farma.org.uk

National Market Traders Federation www.nmtf.co.uk

London Farmers Markets www.lfm.org.uk

Brochure Design: February LondonPhotography: John NassariIllustration: Mike Wall

Billingsgate MarketBorough MarketNew Covent Garden MarketNew Spitalfields MarketSmithfield MarketWestern International Market

A Guide to theLondon Wholesale Markets

As the operators responsible for the six wholesale markets of London: Borough Market, Billingsgate Market, New Covent Garden Market, Smithfield Market, New Spitalfields and Western International Market, our aim is to highlight the significant role that our markets play in ‘London food’.

With an ever increasing and diverse population, demand for good quality food in London has never been greater. At the same time interest is growing in a number of high profile agendas linked to food – these include health, the environment, local produce and sustainability – all of which impact upon the wholesale markets.

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 markets. There is also now great scope for them 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 competitors or as independent institutions.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 at schools around our markets about where their food comes from and healthy eating, and helping them understand how the food on their plate at school got there.

Another area that we want to jointly focus on was highlighted by the 2007 GLA study on the wholesale markets of London. This report made it clear that there is no one vision or coherent and consistent framework for markets. Given their importance to London we are keen to address this. It is therefore our intention to re-launch the Association of London Markets as a body to represent not just our common interests but also the other retail, farmers and 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.

We hope you find this booklet useful, that you are able to visit our markets at some point first-hand to see just what we are talking about and that you agree that raising awareness of the economic and social importance of wholesale and retail markets across the capital is of great value to all.

Simone CroftenChief Executive Borough Market

David Smith Director of Markets City of London

Jan Lloyd Chief Executive New Covent Garden Market

Richard Day Manager Western International Market

IntroductionThe London Wholesale Markets —

It is not just the huge range of produce that these markets sell that benefits London. Together they have a significant impact – socially, economically, culturally and environmentally on the communities in which they are both located and which they serve. This importance of markets to the UK in general and London in particular has recently been recognised by key policy makers at a national, regional and local level. Several reports in the last few years have drawn on the important role of markets to a diverse range of individuals and communities.

Regeneration and economic vibrancyMarkets not only provide the opportunity for choice and diversity but also help increase footfall in town centres, boosting other businesses and services within the area. They deliver business-led solutions to regeneration schemes through assisting in job creation and opportunities for business start ups. Markets are also felt to heavily influence the character of areas, encouraging interaction between different community groups and playing a key role in the vibrancy and attractiveness of town centres.

Food and health policyMarkets are important in supplying good quality food, especially fresh fruit and vegetables at affordable prices. They often stock niche ethnic and organic goods appropriate to their customers as well as local and seasonal produce, encouraging consumers to buy in a more sustainable manner. Their traditionally central locations also mean that they are more accessible by foot and public transport and are able to supply volumes of food appropriate for customers, whether they are a single shopper or a family.

Culture and tourismMany markets in London are household names and tourist attractions in their own right, as well as serving their immediate communities. London is home to over 60 different cuisines and its multicultural diversity is celebrated in its markets, the produce that they stock and the customers which they serve. Individual traders often can act as ‘brand ambassadors’ for their respective culture or ethnic grouping and encourage diversity and integration of cultures across London.

EnvironmentalTraditionally produce on a market stall uses less packaging, often being sold loose rather than wrapped or boxed which means less waste.

At the wholesale markets, many operators add value by semi-preparing the food (peel, slice, dice and juice), meaning less waste is generated 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.

Community cohesionMarkets epitomise entrepreneurship and have often proved to be the incubators for small businesses that have gone onto develop into larger companies. In particular they offer more deprived sectors of the community the opportunity to create jobs and businesses.

PeopleAbove all, markets are about people. People who know their product and can share their passion and knowledge. Everyone loves markets because they are the last vestige of theatre in a sterile retail environment. They are a chance to connect to the producer; they make shopping an entertaining and educational experience and bring all these benefits to hundreds of locations across London.

Markets have been an integral part of London life for hundreds of years. Despite the rise of multiples and out of town shopping centres they remain at the heart of city life.

The Importance of MarketsThe London Wholesale Markets —

All Party Parliamentary Markets Group

Successful markets matter in all their forms. Whether they are wholesale, specialist, farmers’, street or covered markets, they contribute to the social, environmental and economic well-being of the nation.

Markets Policy Framework 2007

London Assembly Report on London’s Retail Markets

London enjoys undeniable economic, social and cultural benefits from its markets… They supply the people of London – especially those on low incomes – with affordable high quality food. They attract jobs and income to the local economy.

Dee Doocey AM Chair of the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee Jan 2008

GLA Report on London’s Wholesale Markets 2007

…wholesale markets continue to play a valuable role in London and the wider region. They have responded to their changing circumstances and now offer new products and services.

The London Wholesale Markets —

How London’s Markets Work The Markets

RestaurantsHotelsPubsCafésWorkplaceSchoolsHospitalsPrisons

Growing interest in healthy eating and where food comes from

Flexibility, range, local, seasonal good quality, ethnic, organic

Producers

Wholesale Markets

Customers

> Fish> Meat> Fruit & Veg

> Face-to-Face> Distributors> Processors

Independent ShopsStreet MarketsSecondary Wholesalers

> UK> Imported

>>

The wholesale markets of London: Borough Market, Billingsgate Market, New Covent Garden Market, Smithfield Market, New Spitalfields Market and Western International Market are the central but often less well understood means by which Londoners get 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.

Between them the markets are home to over 680 individual traders who in turn supply thousands of customers, from hotels and restaurants, schools and prisons, delicatessens, florists, market traders and corner shops.

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 placed upon them. As a result they are now home to different types of businesses and stock new products for an evolving customer base but they remain central to the movement of food through and within London.

The markets also have a significant economic impact. With an estimated joint annual turnover of over £2 billion, the wholesale markets are the link between the producers and the consumers who eventually buy their produce from street markets, farmers markets, small shops, or eat in the thousands of cafés, restaurants, pubs and canteens across London.

Billingsgate was originally a general market and does not seem to have become associated exclusively with the fish trade until the sixteenth century. In 1699, an Act of Parliament was passed making it “a free and open market for all sorts of fish whatsoever”.

Billingsgate Market moved from its original site at Lower Thames Street to Canary Wharf in 1982 and is the UK’s premier inland fish market. It has 56 merchants including specialist and catering suppliers, potato and trade sundries suppliers, serving the wholesale trade with a large variety of high quality fish and shellfish. Although traditionally a wholesale market, recent years have seen an increasing numbers of retail buyers visit Billingsgate.

The market has a tremendous variety of quality fresh and frozen fish ranging from Red Mullett, Seabass, Haddock, Dover sole, Lemon Sole, Monkfish, Turbot, Squid, Kippers, Salmon, Lobster, Crab, Scallops, Oysters, Eels and many more.

Based within the market and established as a charitable company is the Billingsgate Seafood Training School. The aim of the school is to promote awareness of fish among young people and to increase the knowledge of those already working in the retail and catering industry.

The School also offers a wide variety of courses that are tailored to the needs of different groups including catering colleges, retailers, hotels, restaurants, processors, and members of the public.

Billingsgate MarketThe United Kingdom’s largest inland fish market


Our VisionSupport our tenants to create a flourishing market by providing an exemplary trading environment that is energy efficient, well maintained, safe, innovative, profitable and promotes the benefits of including fish in our diets.

AddressTrafalgar Way London E14 5ST

Opening HoursTuesday to Saturday: 5.00am – 8.30am

Contact(020) 7987 1118 Nearest tube: Canary Wharf (8 min walk)

A> 22,000

TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 2007/08

> 56 NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS

> 14 TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)

> £250m TURNOVER (ESTIMATED)

> 5,000 VISITORS PER WEEK (APPROX)

Borough Market is the country’s most widely-renowned artisan fine foods market embracing over 160 businesses, including wholesale and retail market traders, a casual market, retail food shops, restaurants and bars.

Perhaps better known as a retail market, Borough Market now operates wholesale trade every night except Saturday from midnight to 8am, and retail trade on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; many of the market’s retailers in fact also supply wholesale.

The history of the market predates the Roman invasion of Britain with trading activity taking place in the area of what is now Southwark when the Romans arrived. Mention was first made of Borough Market as an institution in 1276, when traffic problems on London Bridge caused by the market were recorded.

Although the market has moved a few hundred yards either side of the south end of London Bridge during its long history it has always remained in generally the same location. Borough Market has been on its present site since 1756.

Borough MarketLondon’s oldest artisan fine foods market


Our VisionWe aim to make life better in our part of London. We will do this by maintaining and expanding our market’s reputation as a centre for food excellence. The surpluses we generate will allow us to serve our community charitably, defend the historic nature of the market, run the market sustainably and remain an important open space and public amenity.

Address8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Opening HoursThursdays: 11.00am – 5.00pm Fridays: 12.00am – 6.00pm Saturdays: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Contact(020) 7407 1002 www.boroughmarket.org.uk Nearest tube: London Bridge (1 min walk)

B



> 4.5m CUSTOMERS PER YEAR

New Covent Garden MarketA wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market






AddressNew Covent Garden Market, London SW8 5NX

Opening HoursMonday to Friday: 3.00am – 11.00am Saturdays: 4.00am – 10.00am

Contact(020) 7720 2211 www.cgma.gov.uk Nearest tube: Vauxhall (5 min walk)

Our VisionThrough the proposed redevelopment New Covent Garden Market will become a modern market for wholesale businesses, supplying quality fresh produce, both food and flowers, by supporting tenants and providing good value and appropriate facilities and services to secure the future of the market.

New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) has over 800 years of history and has been located at Vauxhall since 1974. Run by Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA), a statutory corporation responsible to Defra for the ownership and operation of the market, it is the largest fresh produce market in the UK.

The range of food businesses includes traditional wholesalers, wholesale distributors and food processors. Traders based at NCGM are estimated between them to be responsible for supplying about 40% of fresh fruit and vegetables eaten outside the home in London.

NCGM serves many of London’s best restaurants and hotels, cafés and bars, schools, hospitals and work places as well as independent retailers and street markets. Its central location gives easy access to the City and the West End. The majority of business at the market is conducted between midnight and 8am.

There is a strong organic sector trading on-site and some specialist products including ethnic produce. The market has high service levels and a wealth of knowledge and a passion for food. With a growing number of specialised food service companies there is increasing potential for added value, niche products and unusual seasonal varieties.

In September 2006 CGMA announced the start of a two year project to redevelop the market and replace its 30 year old infrastructure with fresh, modern facilities for traders and their customers. Extensive work has since been undertaken by the Authority and the plans are progressing well.

C

Our VisionSupport our tenants to create a flourishing market by providing an exemplary trading environment that is energy efficient, well maintained, safe, innovative, profitable and represents the diverse ethnic mix of the area served by the market.

New Spitalfields MarketLondon’s premier wholesale market for fruit, vegetables and flowers

> 650,000 TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 2007/08






AddressSherrin Road (off Ruckholt Road), Leyton London E10 5SQ

Opening HoursMonday to Friday: Midnight – 1.00pmSaturday: Midnight – 11.00am

Contact(020) 8518 7670 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/spitalfields Nearest tube: Leyton (10 min walk)

D

New Spitalfields is one of the City’s younger markets, starting life as a thirteenth century market in a field next to St Mary Spittel on the edge of the Square Mile.

In May 1991, New Spitalfields market moved from its original site near Bishopgate, to its current site in Leyton which covers 31 acres, with fast, easy access to the motorway network and the ports. At its centre is the Market Hall, which houses 115 trading units for wholesalers dealing in fruit, vegetables, and flowers, equipped to the latest standards with facilities that include cold storage rooms, ripening rooms, and racking for palletised produce, according to requirements.

The continuing specialisation by wholesalers in exotic fruit and vegetables means that New Spitalfields now has over 60% of its traders sourcing Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Turkish, Chinese, Egyptian, fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers to meet the needs of a cosmopolitan London, and beyond.

In addition, there are four separate buildings providing modern self contained units for catering supply companies, fruit importers and other related businesses, as well as accommodation for companies providing back-up services.

Sustainability is a high priority for the market and about 65% of its waste is now recycled. Organic waste is now separated and sent to an anaerobic digestion plant where it is then converted into methane gas for heating greenhouses. Cardboard is segregated then recycled and all timber waste, including damaged pallets and wooden crates is put through an industrial shredder then sent to Edmonton Power Station and used as fuel to generate electricity.

Meat has been bought and sold at Smithfield for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest markets in London. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century and remained there until mid-Victorian times.

Today, Smithfield Market is a wholesale meat and provisions market serving Greater London and southern England. The market is managed by the City of London who provide and maintain facilities for the wholesaling of meat and poultry to retailers, secondary wholesalers and catering suppliers in London, the Home Counties and beyond.

There are 41 businesses and approximately 120,000 tons of produce pass through the market each year. As well as meat and poultry, products such as cheese, pies, and other delicatessen goods are available and buyers including butchers, restauranteurs, and caterers are able to see the goods for themselves.

In the early nineties, the market underwent a £70 million refurbishment to equip it for the future and enable it to comply with modern hygiene standards. The ancient building has been transformed into one of the most modern meat markets in Europe.

Smithfield MarketLondon’s premier meat market

The London Wholesale Markets — Our VisionSupport our tenants to create a flourishing market by providing an exemplary trading environment that is FSA compliant, energy efficient, well maintained, safe, innovative, and profitable.

AddressCharterhouse Street London EC1A 9PQ

Opening HoursWeekdays 3:00am – 12:00noon

Contact(020) 7248 3151 Nearest tube: Farringdon (7 min walk)

E

> 120,000 TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 2007/08





Western International Market traces its roots back to a horse and cart based on the Middlesex side of Kew Bridge from which a grower traded his wares.

From this humble beginning the market moved to a more formal site where the buying and selling of fresh produce was continuously expanded until May 1974 when a deal was struck with London Borough of Hounslow to relocate to Heston, near London Heathrow Airport.

The Council took the decision to deliver new state of the art facilities to replace the obsolete existing premises to ensure its continuing viability. At that time the market numbered around 100 tenants and moved just 5 miles from its previous base.

The market continued to trade successfully there until the early 1990s when it became clear that a new market was needed. A rebuild rather than a refurbishment was decided upon

and one final step has seen the market move just yards from its old site to a 17.5 acre site housing 54 tenants as well as other service industries and amenities. Outside of the trading hall is a separate building that reflects the market’s development into food service sector.

In May 2006 the new market started to take shape and in December 2007 work was completed. Since January 2008 the tenants have been fitting out their units and trading commenced at the new market in July.

Specialising in exotic produce allows the market to cater to the increasingly diverse eating requirements of Londoners with a produce range including Indian grapes, Brazilian papayas, Iranian watermelon and Cypriot herbs.

The excellent new location and ease of accessibility of the new site means there is a great future for the new £19m market which is currently at 100% trading capacity.

Western International MarketThe premier fruit, vegetable & flower wholesale market in London’s west


Our VisionEnsure the market is a vital link in the foodservice chain, catering efficiently for the public’s daily needs with a vast choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers to benefit health and enhance quality of life and well being.

Address8 Market Centre, Hayes Road Southall, Middlesex UB2 5XJ

Opening HoursMonday to Saturday: 3.00am – 3.00pm

Contact(020) 8573 5624 www.westerninternational.co.uk Nearest Rail: Hayes & Harlington

F

> 420,000 TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 200a7/08


> 17.5 TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)



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