The Wholesale Markets

Billingsgate Market
Malcolm Macleod
Superintendent of Billingsgate Market
(020) 7987 1118
malcolm.macleod@cityofondon.gov.uk
Borough Market
Simone Croften
Chief Executive
(020) 7407 1002
chiefexec@boroughmarket.org.uk
New Covent Garden Market
Helen Evans
Communications Manager
(020) 7720 2211
helen.evans@cgma.gov.uk
New Spitalfelds Market
Ken Alexander
Superintendent of New Spitalfelds Market
(020) 8518 7670
ken.alexander@cityofondon.gov.uk
Smithfeld Market
Robert Wilson
Superintendent of Smithfeld Market
(020) 7332 3747
robert.wilson@cityofondon.gov.uk
Western International Market
Richard Day
Manager
(020) 8583 2142
richard.day@hounslow.gov.uk
City of Londons Wholesale Markets
David Smith
Director of Markets
City of London
(020) 7332 1678
davidahm.smith@cityofondon.gov.uk
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 London
Photography: John Nassari
Illustration: Mike Wall
Billingsgate Market
Borough Market
New Covent Garden Market
New Spitalfelds Market
Smithfeld Market
Western International Market
A Guide to the
London Wholesale Markets
As the operators responsible
for the six wholesale markets
of London: Borough Market,
Billingsgate Market, New Covent
Garden Market, Smithfeld Market,
New Spitalfelds and Western
International Market, our aim is
to highlight the signifcant 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
profle 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 beneft of our traders, their customers
and Londoners.
We hope you fnd this booklet useful, that
you are able to visit our markets at some point
frst-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 Croften
Chief 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
Introduction
The London Wholesale Markets
It is not just the huge range of produce
that these markets sell that benefts London.
Together they have a signifcant 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 vibrancy
Markets 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 infuence 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 policy
Markets 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 tourism
Many 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.
Environmental
Traditionally 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 cohesion
Markets 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.
People
Above 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 benefts 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 Markets
The 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
Londons Retail Markets
London enjoys undeniable economic, social
and cultural benefts 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 Londons
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 Londons Markets Work The Markets
Restaurants
Hotels
Pubs
Cafs
Workplace
Schools
Hospitals
Prisons
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 Shops
Street Markets
Secondary Wholesalers
> UK
> Imported
>
>
The wholesale markets of London: Borough Market,
Billingsgate Market, New Covent Garden Market,
Smithfeld Market, New Spitalfelds 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,
forists, market traders and corner shops.
Due to historic practice and protective legislation these
six markets are also signifcant 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 signifcant 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 cafs, restaurants, pubs and
canteens across London.
Billingsgate was originally a general market
and does not seem to have become associated
exclusively with the fsh trade until the
sixteenth century. In 1699, an Act of
Parliament was passed making it a free and
open market for all sorts of fsh whatsoever.
Billingsgate Market moved from its original
site at Lower Thames Street to Canary
Wharf in 1982 and is the UKs premier
inland fsh 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 fsh and shellfsh. 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 fsh ranging from
Red Mullett, Seabass, Haddock, Dover sole,
Lemon Sole, Monkfsh, 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 fsh 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 Market
The United Kingdoms largest inland fsh market
The London Wholesale Markets
Our Vision
Support our tenants to create a
fourishing market by providing an
exemplary trading environment that
is energy effcient, well maintained,
safe, innovative, proftable and
promotes the benefts of including
fsh in our diets.
Address
Trafalgar Way
London E14 5ST
Opening Hours
Tuesday 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 countrys most
widely-renowned artisan fne 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 markets 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 frst
made of Borough Market as an institution in
1276, when traffc 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 Market
Londons oldest artisan fne foods market
The London Wholesale Markets
Our Vision
We aim to make life better in our
part of London. We will do this
by maintaining and expanding our
markets 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.
Address
8 Southwark Street,
London SE1 1TL
Opening Hours
Thursdays: 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
> 160
NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS
> 5
TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)
> 4.5m
CUSTOMERS PER YEAR
New Covent Garden Market
A wholesale fruit, vegetable and fower market
> 243
NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS
> 57
TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)
> 605m
TURNOVER (ESTIMATED)
> 15,000
VISITORS PER WEEK (APPROX)
The London Wholesale Markets
Address
New Covent Garden Market,
London SW8 5NX
Opening Hours
Monday 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 Vision
Through the proposed redevelopment
New Covent Garden Market will
become a modern market for
wholesale businesses, supplying
quality fresh produce, both food
and fowers, 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 Londons best
restaurants and hotels, cafs 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 Vision
Support our tenants to create
a fourishing market by
providing an exemplary trading
environment that is energy
effcient, well maintained,
safe, innovative, proftable and
represents the diverse ethnic mix
of the area served by the market.
New Spitalfelds Market
Londons premier wholesale market for fruit, vegetables and fowers
> 650,000
TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 2007/08
> 115
NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS
> 31
TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)
> 550m
TURNOVER (ESTIMATED)
> 18,000
VISITORS PER WEEK (APPROX)
The London Wholesale Markets
Address
Sherrin Road (off Ruckholt Road), Leyton
London E10 5SQ
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: Midnight 1.00pm
Saturday: Midnight 11.00am
Contact
(020) 8518 7670
www.cityofondon.gov.uk/spitalfelds
Nearest tube: Leyton (10 min walk)
D
New Spitalfelds is one of the Citys younger
markets, starting life as a thirteenth century
market in a feld next to St Mary Spittel on
the edge of the Square Mile.
In May 1991, New Spitalfelds 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 fowers, 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
Spitalfelds now has over 60% of its traders
sourcing Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Turkish,
Chinese, Egyptian, fresh fruit, vegetables, and
fowers 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 Smithfeld
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, Smithfeld 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.
Smithfeld Market
Londons premier meat market
The London Wholesale Markets
Our Vision
Support our tenants to create a
fourishing market by providing
an exemplary trading environment
that is FSA compliant, energy
effcient, well maintained, safe,
innovative, and proftable.
Address
Charterhouse Street
London EC1A 9PQ
Opening Hours
Weekdays 3:00am 12:00noon
Contact
(020) 7248 3151
Nearest tube: Farringdon (7 min walk)
E
> 120,000
TURNOVER (TONNAGE) 2007/08
> 41
NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS
> 6
TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)
> 250m
TURNOVER (ESTIMATED)
> 2,500
VISITORS PER WEEK (APPROX)
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 fnal 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 refects the
markets 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 ftting 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 Market
The premier fruit, vegetable & fower wholesale market in Londons west
The London Wholesale Markets
Our Vision
Ensure the market is a vital link in the
foodservice chain, catering effciently
for the publics daily needs with a vast
choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and
fowers to beneft health and enhance
quality of life and well being.
Address
8 Market Centre, Hayes Road
Southall, Middlesex UB2 5XJ
Opening Hours
Monday 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
> 70
NUMBER OF CURRENT TENANTS
> 17.5
TOTAL SIZE (ACRES)
> 400m
TURNOVER (ESTIMATED)
> 18,000
VISITORS PER WEEK (APPROX)