Learning more about the UK’s leading wholesale market was the aim when 25 produce industry professionals from the USA visited New Covent Garden Market for a whistle-stop tour in the early hours of Thursday 23rd April.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is a US-based trade group that represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. Covent Garden Market Authority Chair Wanda Goldwag OBE and General Manager Robert McAuliffe welcomed IFPA CEO Cathy Burns and her group, embarking on a visit to the new Buyers’ Walk on the Fruit and Vegetable Market, followed by a tour of the Flower Market.

Above: Members of the IFPA during their visit to Buyers' Walk in the Fruit and Vegetable Market.

The IFPA was in London for its annual European AGM and visited the Market to see the latest developments here in Nine Elms and learn more about the UK wholesale market industry and its continuing integral role in the food and floral supply chains. Buyers' Walk was winding down for the night, although several firms had kept their full flashes out to ensure that the visitors viewed how the Market operates. They also enjoyed seeing a busy Flower Market and talked to several traders before heading back into central London for a day of meetings.

Above: IFPA members also took time to visit the Flower Market.

“It was an insightful view into fresh produce and floral supply chains,” said Miriam Miller Wolk, Chief Membership Officer at the IFPA. “It was an inspiring start to the morning and so encouraging to see how vibrant and vital produce distribution is in London. We were very impressed and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.”