It’s not every day that wholesale market authorities have the opportunity to blow their own trumpet, or for that matter, even feel supported in facing the daily challenge of running this business.

The majority of the wholesale market managers I know are acrobats. They’re constantly walking a tightrope, balancing the wants and needs of market traders on the one hand, whilst having to meet the expectations of government authorities on the other.

The reality is that a wholesale market provides a public service, whether built to do so or not. The reasons for that are plenty. Wholesale markets provide numerous commercial benefits, not the least of those being market transparency, competition and efficiency. Not only a vital provider of quality fresh produce, they are also the only alternative to the increasing global power of a handful of supermarkets and discounters. And, for sure, we are in a period of history where the need to have alternatives is increasingly desirable.

Wholesale markets, like retail markets, give small/medium businesses, local producers and growers, independent retailers, caterers, processors and small chain retailers’ important opportunities to prosper and compete. They provide an important link between producers and consumers and have a proven ability to promote food safety and hygiene standards and control.

Apart from the many socio-economic benefits (such as health, generating employment, supporting local agricultural industries, ensuring continuity of supply and facilitating monitoring of food standards and quality control measures), wholesale markets also support trading links for export. As such, WUWM is committed to working towards the establishment of a global network of trading links between members.

Since 1958, WUWM has been the only international association to support wholesale market authorities. In 2006, we also opened our membership to retail market operators. As a member-based, not-for-profit union, it’s fair to say we’ve faced more than our share of challenges to survive the past 50 years. However, survive and prosper we have. Much of that success is credit to the overwhelming evidence that shows just how many benefits are derived from the existence of retail and wholesale markets. Benefits to cities and communities, as well as to the food distribution chain in general.

During our first conference for 2007 to take place in Turin, Italy this month, several members will highlight how their market has become a major player in ensuring food-chain efficiency. Others will share success stories regarding logistical services, or the implementation of yet more food-safety measures on their markets. Retail members will discuss the many uses being made of their market, in support of urban regeneration projects.

Let those trumpets sound…