Derby Markets
Wholesale Market
The Wholesale Market was moved from the Market Place to a new site across the river in 1925. The site was purchased from the Government, and cost £27,000. Offices, warehouses, garages and banana ripening rooms were built to enhance conditions for the traders and customers. At first there was some opposition to the suitability of the new Wholesale Market, but after the first few years of trading it was generally agreed that it had turned out to be a successful venture.
In addition to the stands occupied by the wholesale merchants a portion of the market was reserved for growers, and this gave them the opportunity to have direct business contact with the retailers. In the later 1960s the Wholesale market moved a short distance to Chequers Road on the north eastern side of the city, and it opened in conjunction with the new Cattle Market on 5 June 1970.
Today's wholesale market imports fresh food and flowers from South America, Asia, Southern Africa, Europe and the USA, with travel times being judged in hours, rather than days and weeks as was the case fifty years ago. The annual estimated turnover for the Wholesale Market is £80 million.
The Wholesalers at the Market are local people whose families have been involved in the Market for generations.
Trade has altered considerably over the last 30 years or so. The traditional growers of local produce that used to stand the markets individually now send their goods in direct to the Wholesaler for them to sell.
Some of the local growers have combined to form small companies so they can sell direct to the public or farmers markets (see links) to ensure they get the best price for their goods.
The majority of the fresh fruit and vegetable and to a certain extent meat and fish trade in the UK is now sold through supermarkets. Unlike 30 years ago when most wholesale products went through retail markets and high street shops. In fact Derby's retails markets (see links) are perhaps the best examples in the Midlands of the survival of individual meat, fish and fruit and vegetables outlets.
Derby's wholesalers have adapted and now serve hotels and restaurants in a 50 miles radius of the market with quality fresh produce on a daily basis.
One of the larger flower wholesalers supplies the likes of the big supermarkets which in today's competitive climate is a major achievement and shows how Derby is a force to the reckoned with in the national economy of the UK.
The Eagle Market
Market Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm
Market Hall
Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm
Allenton Market
Friday 9am to 4.30pm Saturday 9am to 5pm
Allenton Flea/Craft
Market Tuesday 4pm to 7.30pm
Cattle Market
Thursday from 10.00am
Farmers Market
Every third Thursday of the month
Contact Us
Email Derby Markets
Minicom: 01332 256666
Here are some other websites for further information.
