Nibbling my way through remarkably good strawberries in a marquee in a field in Kent and oddly enough for the South East this year, in the rain, was a quintessentially English delight. Fruit Focus is a super show set in the rustic surroundings of East Malling Research and it was thanks to the excellent hospitality of Nick Marston and his team at Berry Gardens that we happily sampled some of the finest varieties while catching up with friends.

I am delighted to welcome Maroc Export as a new FPC member and thrilled to announce that Morocco is the guest nation for the 65th FPC Annual Dinner on Saturday 5 February 2011. Add to this that we will be back at our historical home, the iconic Savoy, and it should be obvious that we are set for an outstanding evening. Organisation is well under way in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy, to deliver a spectacular experience combining the sophisticated formality of an English black tie dinner with the exotic tastes and sounds of Morocco.

Considering July is a holiday month, we were extremely busy at the FPC and among other projects, we organised a schedule for a delegation of Andalusian exporters visiting London. My thanks to Greencell, Reynolds Catering Supplies and New Convent Garden Market for your support and hospitality. This is a great way to meet potential supply partners and to network with other like-minded folk.

Jamaica Trade & Investment recently joined the FPC and it was a pleasure to spend some time at the High Commission, make new friends and gain a better understanding of the exporting aspirations of its fresh produce industry.

It is always encouraging to bring in a result and you will have seen from the media that we have been aggressively lobbying on your behalf in a number of areas recently. Great news on the Assured Trader Scheme, detailed left, and I hope you will take advantage while we continue banging away at the ludicrous high-risk policy.

And so, from the stunningly beautiful wiles of Scotland, where I am currently holidaying with my family and enjoying all that this fabulous country has to offer - including exceedingly good malts for those inclined towards a tipple or two - whether you are holidaying at home or abroad, I wish you a warm, dry and pleasant one. Bon appétit!

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