The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games’ Food Vision report issued this week has ignored New Spitalfields Market, which hosts 140 suppliers of fresh produce at sprinting distance from the main Olympic Park.
Spitalfields’ business development manager Tim Williams said: “Spitalfields Market Tenants Association has no argument with the overall concept, but despite our many attempts to connect with the relevant authorities, they have completely ignored the existence of the largest wholesale market in the UK, which is sited half a mile from the main Olympic Park, Olympic Village and press and broadcast centres.”
Jim Heppel, chief executive of the association, pointed out that the market is in the perfect position to meet the dietary requirements of all the world visitors as it already sources worldwide to meet the diverse requirements of a cosmopolitan population.
He said: “All this produce can be delivered directly to the Olympic Park in sustainable, ecologically friendly vehicles, meeting the potential security risks raised by London 2012.”
As well as the omission of Spitalfields, the 42-page report contains some other surprises, such as the aspiration that the 330-plus tonnes of fresh produce it estimates will be required should be organic.
The benchmark standard for fresh produce is that it should be: “Red Tractor assured, UK Grade I or II (where Grade II relates only to appearance). Where available, British, seasonal and of high quality, fit for purpose and free from damage or spoilage. Where products are not available from the UK, and not available under the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme, they will need to be fully traceable.” All bananas will be Fairtrade.
The report outlines a timeframe for the appointment of caterers to manage and operate the catering at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with an open bid procurement procedure in spring next year.
Evaluations and presentations to support the bids will happen in summer 2010 and the results will be announced at the end of next year.
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