The intelligent mind accepts that one can never be completely prepared for the future, but the recent closure of much of European airspace was truly an out-of-the-blue occurrence. Unfortunately, at the height of this crisis most of our delegates were due to be on their way to Spain, and as a consequence this ‘force majeure’ has resulted in the postponement of our annual spring conference.

Fortunately, if you had registered to attend the Palma de Mallorca event, your registration fee and hotel bookings are all transferrable, without charge, to the new dates of 14-17 September. For those who could not make the event in the spring, thanks to the quick actions of our Spanish host Mercasa we hope you will now have the opportunity to join us in the autumn.

Despite the lack of a formal launch pad venue, the WUWM 2010 Market Awards are nevertheless open for submissions. Member wholesale and retail markets are invited to send their contributions to these awards, which this year address the theme of ‘Excellence in developing the link between wholesale and retail markets’. These awards aim to build on the common agenda of the many aspects of wholesale and retail operations, allowing for a better recognition of their vital role and contribution to the food sector. This value is two-fold: on the one hand we are looking at ways that member markets support, grow and emphasise the business of their traders and, on the other hand, we are looking to promote ways that members take advantage of the opportunities that wholesale and retail markets have to work together in tackling problem issues such as healthy eating, obesity, etc. This is in addition to working together to address how they ensure availability, affordability and the accessibility of fresh fruit and vegetables, while promoting the awareness and importance of quality, freshness and taste.

The deadline for award submissions is 6 August. Entry forms are available by visiting the WUWM website or contacting the secretariat. This year’s judging panel includes: Bob Penter, membership executive of Fresh State Ltd in Melbourne, Australia; Andrew Shepherd, senior marketing officer and leader of the Market Linkages & Value Chains Group in the FAO, Rome; and Jose Augusto Ramos Rocha, WUWM honorary chairman (2004-2006), who remains an active leader in today’s Portuguese food sector.

Alongside the awards we are also launching our annual WUWM Market Photo Competition. This is open to anyone and everyone who has ever been on a food market and taken an interesting picture there. The 13 winning photos will be showcased in the WUWM 2011 Calendar, distributed later this year. Look for more information on the WUWM website.