It was a productive start to 2010 for the FPC as we met our first challenge head on with the FSA over EC Regulation 669/2009 regarding high-risk inspections. As you will note from the article on this page, we met with the FSA last week in London to fight for urgent action for a common-sense approach to the insane proposals, which will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on a number of fresh produce imports. This week, I took the argument to Brussels and the Unit for Enforcement in the European Commission in an effort to bring about an acceptable solution.

Our first supply chain trip of the year was an overriding success and has undoubtedly set a precedent to identify key interesting locations. Sub-zero temperatures did not deter you travelling East to the Port of Felixstowe, where we were hosted superbly by Hutchison Ports. Following the unprecedented post-Christmas snowfall that wreaked havoc on port operations in early January, small heaps of snow could still be seen around the port. We were treated to a slick tour of the port and its facilities, which included an interesting introduction to the new Seafast Celsius operation. We will view development of this and the new port terminal with great interest over the coming months and look forward to a return visit next year.

On Saturday, 30 January, we were delighted to host the Mexican Ambassador and distinguished guests at our 64th Annual Dinner, staged this year at the Park Lane Hotel. A packed ballroom enjoyed an excellent menu, great wines supplied by the LA Cetto winery and a truly festival atmosphere created by the wonderful Mexteca Mariachi Band. Sophie Hannah of New Covent Garden Market did not disappoint with her outstanding floral creations and we sampled four of Mexico’s finest tequilas to complete a very special evening. I would like to thank minister Jorge Rueda Sousa and SAGARPA, ministry for agriculture, for support of this great event and for bringing the general co-ordinator of the ministry of agriculture along with a superb Mexican contingent of key exporters, to celebrate Mexico and its successful trading relationship with the UK. Support of the FPC Annual Dinner by the industry is greatly encouraging and I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones.

Thanks to David Hurley and Anglia Business Solutions, sponsor for the third consecutive year. It is interesting to note the substantial increase in numbers this year and organisation is already underway for the 65th Annual Dinner at the Savoy on 29 January, 2011.

Watch this page over the coming months for more details on next year’s event.

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