Retail markets are to get their own world union.
The board of directors of the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) agreed during a two-day meeting in The Netherlands on January 15-16 to launch the World Union of Retail Markets (WURM).
The new body will operate as a section within WUWM and is to be specifically focused on the construction, management and organisation of retail markets and will support retail market owners, managers and traders.
Since 2001 retail markets have seen increasingly active support and development within WUWM due to the intrinsic links that exist in the food distribution chain between wholesale and retail markets.
Graham Wallace, WUWM chairman and managing director of City Markets (Glasgow) said: “We are very proud to launch this new section of WUWM. This further supports our aim to unite the markets industry, thereby offering markets a more effective voice within the sector, as well as with decision-makers at all levels, everywhere.
“Retail markets are being increasingly recognised as effective social and economic tools for those local authorities wanting to ensure effective food security and healthy local food economies.”
A European retail market study launched by WUWM in 2008 showed that at least 25,000 markets exist within the EU alone, with more than 450,000 retail market traders operating businesses on those markets. Additionally, more than one million people are employed on EU retail markets, with the total turnover surpassing €35billion (£32.5bn).
WURM will be chaired by Jean-Paul Auguste, president of GroupeGeraud. The group is a fourth generation family business created in 1880 that sets up, develops, funds and manages public market facilities in partnership with local and regional authorities in both France and the UK.
He said: “We believe the World Union of Retail Markets will be an effective force in the international promotion of the values and benefits of retail markets. This representation will support the ongoing existence of retail markets in service to consumers and communities, and help to ensure the livelihood of SMEs as well as market traders, well into the future.
“Time and again, retail markets have proven themselves to be exceptional tools for urban regeneration. The establishment of the World Union of Retail Markets within WUWM is both a necessary and deserved step forward in full recognition of that fact.”
