You’ve heard me before, banging on about the merits of attending trade fairs. In my time trawling the world’s fresh produce exhibitions and conferences, the UK has been largely conspicuous by its absence.

Maybe we, as an industry, were right and the events offered nothing to add value to our businesses, although I personally would debate that strongly. More likely we were staying true to type and sticking with the belief that the UK can, and will, stand alone.

That view is changing by necessity. The article on page 38 of today’s FPJ illustrates that the UK, particularly in terms of retail suppliers, is no longer the yardstick by which the world’s supply chain measures its success. New markets are opening, huge groups of consumers with new-found disposable income are emerging, and the UK market just keeps on with its price-based retailer in-fighting.

Our industry has some bridge-building to do; it also has a fight on its hands to keep hold of its preferential status amongst the world-wide grower network. Obviously this is not the sole reason for the increased numbers of UK-based exhibitors and visitors at Fruit Logistica. But it is high on the list.

I have no doubt, we still have a great industry here in the UK. We also have a fantastic infrastructure and some of the best fresh produce minds around. I hope next week’s event is used to show that to the world.

Tommy Leighton