Gorillas and pygmy hippos at London Zoo were treated to an extravagant breakfast of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from New Covent Garden Market, marking the wholesale food market's golden anniversary. The festivity featured Alika, Effie, and her baby, Venus, alongside Amara, the charming pygmy hippo, who relished the greens and produce provided by County Supplies, one of the dedicated traders located within the New Covent Garden Market.
New Covent Garden Market has long served as the primary wholesale hub for the culinary scene across London, supplying fresh produce to various esteemed establishments, including the renowned Harrods, Claridge's, and other Michelin-starred restaurants. For 50 years, the market has been celebrated as the epicenter of London’s food supply chain, and to honor this milestone, wholesalers reminisced about their experiences and transformations within the vibrant marketplace.
Gary Marshall, owner of wholesale supplier Bevington Salads and chairman of the New Covent Garden Tenants’ Association, shared his reflections after working at the market for nearly 45 years. "I've seen how this market has changed over the decades, with my happy memories of the market stretching all the way back to being a teenager," he stated. His sentiment resonates deeply with many wholesalers who have passed down their trades through generations. "New Covent Garden is more than just a market. We're the lifeblood of the supply chain in London and the south-east of England," Marshall remarked.
Wanda Goldwag, chairwoman of the New Covent Garden Market Authority, expressed her pride about the market's legacy encapsulating over 50 years of hard work. "New Covent Garden Market has been the beating heart of London’s food supply chain for five decades. Providing the freshest produce to our vibrant city is much more than just work for our wholesalers; it’s their passion and their livelihood," she declared. Goldwag emphasized the commitment to ensuring the market evolves to meet the challenges of sustainability and the diversified demands of customers moving forward.
Originally located at Covent Garden, the market was officially opened at its 35-acre South Bank site back in 1974, with the ceremonial opening conducted by the late Queen Elizabeth II the following year. Now, New Covent Garden Market operates year-round from the Nine Elms site, with traders typically working through the night, collectively generating almost £900 million annually.
Guests at London Zoo delightedly watched as the animals enjoyed their special breakfast, celebrating the connection between wildlife and fresh produce. The celebration underscored the importance of both the zoo and the market as they maintain their roles as integral parts of the London community. The event marked not only the jubilation surrounding the market’s enduring presence but also highlighted the interdependency between urban life and the natural world, which is brought to life through initiatives such as these.
So, as Alika and her little one presented their natural charisma alongside Amara, the pygmy hippo, it wasn't just another day at the zoo. It was a vivid reminder of how the environment and community features interact meaningfully, supported by foundational businesses like the New Covent Garden Market, as they march forward with pride, history, and shared values of quality and service.
