Telegraph Research Shows 3,000 Greengrocers Lost in Last Decade

The closures highlight the ‘slow death’ of the British high street, which has been caused by the growing power of supermarkets and the increasing costs of running an independent business.

Falling numbers of greengrocers have been apparent for some time, but it has been difficult to calculate how many have closed down. However, HM Revenue & Customs, which has a record of every VAT-registered business in the country, has released data to The Daily Telegraph showing the full picture.

In April 1997 there were 6,916 registered greengrocers. By April this year, the numbers had fallen to just 3,948 – a fall that equates to five closing every single week for the last 11 years.

The figures come despite the Competition Commission ruling earlier this year that supermarkets posed no threat to independent retailers. "Those that provide consumers with a strong retail offer will continue to survive and prosper" the report declared.

The closure of greengrocers comes on top of a 2,700 butchers and fishmongers shutting up shop since 2001.

Helen Rimmer, Friends of the Earth's food campaigner said: "Supermarkets are annihilating consumer choice by bulldozing through weak planning regulations, forcing more and more local shops out of business and leaving us with identikit high streets."

The campaign group argues that consumers are the big losers, pointing out that the majority of grocery shops charge less for their fresh produce than supermarket chains – despite the high profile price war that Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's are waging.

Of the findings, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “ACS made representation to the Competition Commission in their grocery market inquiry reflecting the fact that local shops and small independent grocers are in decline.  Independent retailers and local shops offer the consumer real choice and diversity. They provide communities with vital services and it is this that gives them a real point of difference in the convenience sector. ACS will continue to campaign for a level playing field on behalf of local shops.”

ACS, the voice of local shops