Sunderland greengrocer ‘looking forward to lie-in’ after 40 years

A retiring greengrocer whose family has been in the business since 1860 has said he was “looking forward to a lie-in”.

Ben Cooney, of Cooney’s Fruit & Veg, is serving his customers in Sunderland for the final time after more than 40 years of 04:00 starts “standing out in the cold”.

The 68-year-old, who has had his stall in Athenaeum Street for 20 years, said he has made “too many mates and memories to mention”.

Mr Cooney bought his stock at a wholesaler in Gateshead, where he said he “always got ripped for being a Sunderland fan” but added the “early morning banter was what he was going to miss the most”.

Before Athenaeum Street, Cooney’s Fruit & Veg operated in the former Park Lane market for more than 20 years.

“Fruit was our bread-and-butter and we pride ourselves on our fruit presentation,” Mr Cooney said.

“Being a fruiterer goes back all the way to my great-great-grandfather who worked in 1860.

“I recently found my great-grandfather’s marriage certificate which lists his occupation as fruiterer in 1906.”

He said the appetite for fruit and vegetables had changed over the years, “especially with young people who see something on the television and want it immediately”.

“People want more international produce – so we increased our scope with items like chillies and yams.

“The older customers were our regulars because they can buy one apple and a few potatoes instead of bulk at supermarkets,” he said.

Mr Cooney said his health, “standing out in the cold” and seeing his grandkids all played a factor in choosing to retire.

“I’m looking forward to a lie-in – I get up at 04:00 six days a week and it’s taken a toll,” he said.

“I’ve made too many mates and memories to mention.

“When I buy my fruit from a wholesaler in Gateshead, I always get ripped because I’m a Sunderland supporter – but I can stand it…it’s that early morning banter I’m going to miss the most.”

He added: “We’re going to head to the pub with our customers after we’ve finished serving.”