The recent fraud alert remains a concern and extreme caution is recommended when dealing with new accounts, as we have received further reports that a bogus company has again recently attempted to procure vegetables. We understand the gang is operating out of London and Paris, and I urge you all to be vigilant and contact the authorities immediately should you fall prey to such a scam.

With the general election just around the corner, don’t miss our Re:fresh Conference, featuring our opening speaker, leading political commentator Iain Dale, with his considered impact assessment of the election result on our industry. The IGD’s Michael Freedman will present an analysis of consumer trends, including the ‘buy British’ concept, which will dominate the afternoon in a potentially lively debate with a great panel line-up. Our expo will provide a great backdrop for meeting old friends and making new ones in the networking area of the Park Lane suite of the Intercontinental and I look forward to catching up with you there.

Awards entries are rolling in and we have extended the deadline by a few days, giving you extra time to recover from the Easter break and promote your company by entering one of the 14 awards on offer. For the first time, we have included the MVS Processor of the Year category for the best packer of processed (prepared) produce in the UK, so please check out the criteria for this and the other categories on www.refresh.eu and have a go. If you didn’t make the finals last time, don’t be put off - try again, this could be your year for success and it is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of your company within the industry, as finalists can expect substantial exposure on the night and in the media. Our popular awards night is a dazzling occasion with upwards of 550 guests from every sector of the industry and I would personally like to thank all the sponsors for their valued support, which enables us to organise such a prestigious event.

We were delighted to visit New Spitalfields Market again this month with DEFRA and the Supply Chain Sub-Group. Jim Heppel and his team provided the usual impressive hospitality, with a great market tour followed by a superb breakfast. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jim a long and happy retirement. His commitment to the industry and passion for Spitalfields has been an example to us all. One of the industry’s great characters and openly supportive of the FPC and our aims, his expertise and experience will be greatly missed.

Just as we thought spring had arrived, many of us are suffering the unwelcome return of winter and I therefore wish you all a warm, dry, snow-free and very happy Easter!