National Markets Week was launched on Monday, with the support of football legend Gary Lineker and 200 MPs.
The week-long event, organised by the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group, is due to highlight the importance of markets in strengthening communities and providing healthy, local food at cheap prices.
Research carried out in 2005 revealed that a shopping basket of twenty goods bought on markets was 18-27 per cent cheaper - up to £10 a “shop” - than from the UK’s largest supermarket chain. Tesco. The survey was conducted for the National Market Traders’ Federation in 2005 in the South, the Midlands and the North of the country.
Almost a third of MPs of all parties are supporting the week, and many are planning to visit their local indoor, outdoor or farmers’ markets to take part in food sampling or serve behind stalls.
The theme of the week is ‘Fresh, Tasty and Local’, focusing on the minimal carbon footprints of markets, which do not contribute to food miles or unnecessary packaging.
A new Markets Policy Framework document was launched at a reception held in the House of Commons on Monday night. Planning minister Yvette Cooper was the guest speaker, and the event was attended by the Market Traders’ Federation, the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association and the National Association of British Market Authorities. The document sets out five key priorities for the markets industry, and ways in which markets can play a big role in delivering key government agendas.
Research carried out in 2005 revealed that a shopping basket of twenty goods bought on markets was 18-27 per cent cheaper - up to £10 a “shop” - than from the UK’s largest supermarket chain. Tesco. The survey was conducted for the National Market Traders’ Federation in 2005 in the South, the Midlands and the North of the country.
The five areas are regenerating town centres and providing employment; healthy eating; building a sense of community; sustaining the environment; and promoting culture and tourism. Market squares could be used for large-scale outdoor music, theatre, cultural or dance events.
Former England football captain Gary Lineker, who used to help his dad out on Leicester market, said: “Market traders are some of the most hard-working men and women in the country, Many people depend on markets for their livelihoods. I am very pleased to support the markets industry and would like to see more young people entering the trade.
“Some people are so used to driving to supermarkets that they do not realise what a wonderful asset they have on their doorsteps - in the heart of their community - to get their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.”
Ann Coffey MO, secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group, who devised the idea of Markets Week, said: “Markets make local town centres more vibrant. They strengthen communities, encourage people to eat healthy, local food and also benefit the environment. In short, they chime in with lots of different policies for the price of one.
“Local markets sell food in its natural state, just raw produce the way nature intended it.”
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