New Covent Garden Market received a special award at the FPC Fresh Awards on Friday, to mark the milestone of 50 years since the relocation to Nine Elms, in 1974.

The surprise award was received on behalf of the entire market community by Jo Breare, General Manager of Covent Garden Market Authority, and Gary Marshall, Chairman of Covent Garden Tenants Association. It was given for “50 years of dedicated service to the fresh produce and floral industries from its site on the south bank of the River Thames” and “embracing innovation and change to continue satisfying the shifting demands of both businesses and consumers”.

Judges commented: “We recognise NCGM for its remarkable example of dedicated service during the last 50 years. The iconic market stands as a cornerstone of the UK’s fresh produce industry, supplying London and the nation with the finest fruit, vegetables and flowers with efficiency and expertise, all the while keeping sustainability and quality proudly at its core.

“Throughout the past five decades…NCGM has continued to adapt, innovate and grow to remain at the top of its game. With exciting redevelopment plans, well under way, the next 50 years are set to be just as vibrant and successful.”

It was a successful night for the Market, as Gary Marshall was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award – read here – and P&I Fruits Ltd was a runner-up in the Fruit & Vegetable Wholesaler of the Year category. Jo Breare also presented the award for Foodservice Supplier of the Year, which is sponsored by NCGM, to Market customer Woods Foodservice.

Congratulations to Woods Foodservice and everyone and every firm picking up an award on the night and, of course, to everyone in the NCGM community, as the special award was recognition of all their efforts down the years.