S. Thorogood & Sons was selected as one of the leading Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers in the land at the FPC Fresh Awards, presented on Park Lane this evening, recognising more than a century of commitment to British produce, wholesale excellence and resilience in a rapidly changing marketplace.

The family-owned business, which traces its roots back to 1922, operates across London’s three major wholesale markets: New Covent Garden, New Spitalfields and Western International. Today it serves between 500 and 600 regular customers, supplies approximately three million package units annually and generates around £20 million in turnover.

In naming Thorogoods as a finalist, the judges not only reflected the scale of the operation, but also the values that have underpinned its success for more than a century. S. Thorogood & Sons remains closely connected to farming – the family continues to grow produce on land that has been cultivated for more than 50 years, and that direct link from field to market provides a unique perspective on quality, seasonality and supply.

Central to the business's success is its long-standing commitment to British growers. Many supplier relationships stretch back decades, including partnerships with Kent grower LJ Betts, Bedlam Farms in Cambridgeshire, Floral Farm, Garden of Elveden, Stanhill Farm and Provenance Potatoes. These enduring relationships allow Thorogoods to offer customers exceptional provenance, consistency and access to the best seasonal British produce.

Customers endorsed the business in its award submission. Kingfisher Farm Shop described Thorogoods as its “first port of call” for seasonal British produce, praising the quality and consistency made possible by its grower partnerships. Western International customer Culver and Nelson highlighted the team's knowledge, reliability and strong connections with British farming.

The judges also recognised the extraordinary resilience that has defined Thorogoods throughout its history. The company survived the wholesale market upheaval of the 1980s and 90s, through which it adapted, invested and backed its belief that London’s foodservice sector would expand significantly.

That willingness to evolve continues today. As British fruit and vegetable production faces increasing pressures from rising costs, labour shortages and shrinking grower numbers, Thorogoods remains steadfast in its commitment to sourcing from British farms and supporting domestic agriculture.

Congratulations from everyone at New Covent Garden Market.