GEN BigStock_Greengrocer_At_supermarket

York has come out top in fresh food availability according to a recent survey.

With 15 greengrocers, 24 butchers and 47 bakeries, York has the highest number of fresh food outlets per capita in the country, as ranked by cooker manufacturers Leisure.

Outside of London, Birmingham boasted the highest number of greengrocers in the UK with 35. Despite having the most overall outlets, London was ranked a lowly 45thposition due its high population.

The north leads the way in per capita number of fresh food stores, although the South is marginally ahead in numbers of greengrocers, at 8.9 per head, compared to the north’s 8.4.

Gino Grossi, marketing manager at Leisure, said: “The health and environmental benefits of buying local, fresh produce are clear, so it’s great to see so many local food stores around the UK for residents to shop in.

“With a rise in people becoming more environmentally conscious and wanting to know the source of their food, shoppers are turning to their local high street and food markets.

“Whether they are looking for a cake or loaf of bread from their local bakery, or want to purchase the items they need to create a family favourite dish, the cities of the UK have plenty of options.”

From the top 25 ranked cities, the five highest number of greengrocers were counted in Birmingham (35), Bristol (34) Glasgow (25), Manchester (18), Hull (17) and Southampton (16).

Cambridge came out on top of the farmers’ market polling, with the highest per capita number at seven.