The market covers 57 acres of land not far from the banks of the river Thames in central London. 31 acres are dedicated to fruit and vegetables. The market has two types of traders these days, the traditional wholesaler and the traders who not only sell fruit and veg but add value and distribute it to the customer.
Helen Evans, Director of Business Development & Support explains that this second type of trader has been one of the biggest changes within the market in recent years, "The changes came about due a change in our customer base. 75-80% of fruit and vegetables sold in the market go to the food service industry. Many customers do not have the space or time to deal with the preparation and waste management involved in pealing, chopping and juicing fruit and vegetables, so it is done here on site."
The market also houses traders of fish, meat, dairy and ice, but predominately fruit and vegetables.
The catchment area extends from Norfolk, Birmingham and South Hampton, there is even an Irish Dock where goods have been shipped off to Ireland for over 100 years.
The future for New Covent Garden looks rosy and redevelopment and modernisation is on the cards. Evans explains, "We have been on this this site for 40 years now and the nature of the business has changed over the years, a lot the current buildings are not suitable any more. The redevelopment will start in 2015 and will take around 5 years as it will have to work around our traders."
For more information:
Alastair Owen
Covent Garden Market Authority
Tel: 0044 20 7720 2211
Email: [email protected]
www.newcoventgardenmarket.com
