Historic fresh produce wholesale market celebrates milestone anniversary serving London and the South East from ‘new’ Vauxhall site
London’s historic fresh produce wholesale market is this week celebrating 50 years serving companies across the capital and beyond from its Nine Elms site in Vauxhall.
Dating back to Medieval times and originally based at Covent Garden in central London, the fresh produce market relocated to Nine Elms on 11 November 1974. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ceremonially opened New Covent Garden Market the following year.
Customers of the New Covent Garden Market’s 175 wholesale traders include iconic British institutions like Harrods, Claridges and the capital’s top Michelin starred restaurants. Wholesalers at the UK’s leading wholesale market also include the Royal Households.
New Covent Garden Market’s fruit, vegetables and flower wholesalers typically work overnight, bringing in over £900 million in annual turnover.
“It is testament to the continued passion, commitment and expertise of every trader here that we can say we were the market leader a century ago, the market leader 50 years ago and we remain the wholesale market leader now,” says Gary Marshall, owner of New Covent Garden Market wholesaler Bevington Salads and chairman of Covent Garden Tenants Association.
He adds that New Covent Garden Market is also a thriving hub for innovation and community-focused initiatives like Mission Kitchen. The collaborative workspace supports food entrepreneurs by providing access to kitchen facilities, business mentoring, and a network of industry experts.
The market also plays a central role in promoting sustainability, working closely with suppliers and traders to reduce food waste and encourage responsible sourcing, Marshall says. New Covent Garden Market is a ‘zero to landfill’ site.
Additionally, the market’s partnerships with local schools and charities help foster the next generation of food industry talent while giving back to the community.
Commenting on the anniversary, Wanda Goldwag OBE, chair of New Covent Garden Market Authority, said: “New Covent Garden Market has been the beating heart of London’s food supply chain for 50 years. Providing the freshest produce to our vibrant city is more than a job for our wholesalers, it’s their livelihood, and for many of them, a baton to pass on through generations.
“We’re incredibly proud to represent a diverse market with so much history. As we reflect on the legacy of this great market, we also look ahead to the next 50 years. The challenges of today – from sustainability to evolving consumer needs – mean we must work harder than ever to ensure New Covent Garden Market remains a thriving hub for generations to come.
“Our commitment to nurturing the market and supporting the communities it serves has never been stronger.”
New Covent Garden Market is currently undergoing redevelopment, with the renovation of its state-of-the-art wholesale facilities due to be completed in 2027.
