Animals at London Zoo join the anniversary celebrations of New Covent Garden Market as it celebrates 50 years of feeding & flowering Brits across London & the South East

The UK’s leading wholesale market today [MON] proudly celebrates 50 years at its iconic Nine Elms site, marking a milestone in the long and storied history of London’s premier fresh produce market.

The market is an integral part of the supply chain, linking retail and hospitality businesses across the South East of England with growers of first class, seasonal produce across the globe, feeding millions of Brits in the process.

Customers of the New Covent Garden Market’s 175 wholesale traders include luxury British institutions like Harrods, Claridge’s and the capital’s top Michelin starred restaurants. Wholesalers at the UK’s leading wholesale market also include the Royal Households, and the animals of London Zoo.

Originally based at Covent Garden in central London - lending the modern market its name - the market later relocated, officially opening for business at their 35 acre south bank site on 11 November 1974. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ceremonially opened the market the following year.

New Covent Garden Market’s fruit, vegetables and flower wholesalers typically work overnight, bringing in over £900 million in annual turnover.

Gary Marshall, Owner of New Covent Garden Market wholesaler Bevington Salads and Chairman of Covent Garden Tenants Association, says: “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.”

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. 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.

Wanda Goldwag OBE, the Chair of New Covent Garden Market Authority, says: “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."

The UK’s top wholesale market is currently undergoing redevelopment, with the renovation of their state-of-the-art wholesale facilities due to be completed in 2027.

For more information, visit newcoventgardenmarket.com or follow on social media at @marketfood and @marketflowers.