Former greengrocer and now TV presenter Chris Bavin is establishing a database of independent retailers of fresh produce as the first step towards establishing a trade association to represent greengrocers, including farm shops, veg box suppliers and street traders.
Mr Bavin says no one knows how many independent greengrocers there are but without a central voice the exact number is unknown. A database – the Good Greengrocer Guide – will allow him to launch a website with a ‘find your local greengrocer’ tool to raise the sector’s profile. “Lots of these businesses have no website and no social media presence and therefore no way to talk directly to customers and potential customers,” he told New Covent Garden Market.
He then wants to see the collective buying power such an association can generate giving members access to larger contracts or discounts on, for instance, delivery charges.
“A strong independent retail sector can only make the wholesale markets stronger and that in turn adds power to the importers, distributors and growers, who require outlets for their produce,” he said. “Every sector is linked and dependent on the sustainability of each other.”
The Good Greengrocer Guide can be found on Instagram and Twitter.