Opportunity for ethical London food traders to ‘Pitch Up’ at Borough Market

London’s Borough Market – recently named Britain’s “best large food market” – has announced an initiative to give ethical food traders, small start-ups and local food producers the chance to take one of its market stall spaces.

Intended to “bring fresh pickings to the market” and reflect what’s going on in the capital, the ‘Pitch Up’ initiative is offering up a number of pitches within its Market Hall site on a rotation basis.

The programme is specifically looking for sustainable businesses and social enterprises with food values which closely match those of the market.

Speaking with Startups.co.uk, Borough Market development manager David Matchett outlined plans for the Pitch Up initiative:

“We’re looking for sustainable and social enterprise businesses, with an emphasis on Local to London producers. It’s an opportunity to trade amongst some of London’s best traders.

“Ethical sourcing and sustainability is important so […] if you feel that your food values match ours then check this out and pitch up!”

With 115 traders currently based at the market, Matchett explained that this isn’t a “pop-up” initiative, but rather a search to find traders with “business viability” and the “potential […] to evolve into permanent traders”.

Matchett continued: “We are dealing with people’s dreams here. One thing we’re not is Dragons’ Den! If we can help, even at the interview stage, to point you in the right direction then we will try to.”

Shortlisted traders will need to go through Borough Market’s stringent trader application process including a tasting panel by expert chefs. Successful applicants will be given access to a reduced size pitch which will cost from £20 a day.

To apply for Pitch Up to become a Borough Market trader, click here.