Rushton’s was tonight named a runner up in the Sustainability Excellence – Supply Chain category at the FPC Fresh Awards, recognising the company's commitment to building sustainability into every stage of its fresh produce supply chain.

Based at New Covent Garden Market and serving more than 375 restaurants, hotels, caterers and hospitality businesses across London, Rushton’s has become a leading example of how environmental responsibility and commercial success as a wholesale market business can go hand in hand. The award acknowledges the significant progress the business has made in embedding sustainable practices throughout its operations, from sourcing and waste management to chef education and grower partnerships.

Part of the S. Thorogood & Sons group, with family farming roots stretching back to 1922, Rushton’s approaches sustainability as a core business principle rather than a marketing exercise. In 2025, the company achieved both ISO 14001 environmental management certification and Zero Waste to Landfill status, making it one of the few B2B greengrocers in London to hold both accreditations simultaneously.

A key element of its sustainability strategy is ensuring that no food goes to waste. Surplus produce is collected daily by City Harvest London and redistributed to charities and community organisations, while inedible food waste is repurposed as animal feed through partnerships at New Covent Garden Market. The company has also introduced 100% compostable bags for loose products made from renewable plant-based materials and operates comprehensive recycling and box-return schemes across its supply chain.

The award judges were impressed by Rushton’s commitment to responsible sourcing. The company works closely with a network of progressive British growers who are investing in regenerative farming techniques, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. These include Kent-based salad grower LJ Betts, Thorogood Asparagus in Essex, Isle of Wight Tomatoes and Yorkshire soft-fruit grower Annabel’s Deliciously British.

Beyond its own operations, Rushton’s is helping to influence wider change across the hospitality sector. Through grower visits, seasonal reports, field trips and educational events, the business endeavours to provide chefs with greater insight into provenance, seasonality and sustainable sourcing. By encouraging menus that reflect genuine British growing seasons, Rushton’s is also helping reduce reliance on imported produce while supporting domestic agriculture.

The company's sustainability credentials had already earned industry recognition. Earlier this year, Rushton’s was named Food Brand of the Year at the Caterer Supplier Awards, where judges praised its partnerships with regenerative farmers and its commitment to educating chefs about sustainable sourcing.

For Rushton’s, being selected as one of the best in class in the UK fresh produce industry for sustainability excellence reflects a belief that the future of fresh produce depends on strong environmental stewardship, resilient grower relationships and a supply chain that benefits both customers and the planet.

Congratulations from everyone at New Covent Garden Market.