As we head towards the end of 2009 and the industry’s busiest period on the calendar, I would like to offer a reminder of our annual dinner in January. We have a fabulous evening lined up for you, with musicians and dancers of the famous Mexteca Mariachi Band, most recently seen at the British Museum at the Mexican Day of the Dead festival. English traditions will combine with carnival - live music, strolling magicians, margaritas and outstanding floral decorations. We have scheduled this event for the Saturday prior to Fruit Logistica, so that you can invite your suppliers. Make sure you don’t miss out.

Congratulations to New Covent Garden Market for The Garden project and a great meeting earlier this month. The innovative approach of the team there is impressive and we support this great initiative.

Earlier this week, at the invitation of DEFRA secretary of state Hilary Benn, I was involved in a supply chain round table on your behalf to represent the industry and I will keep you updated as we progress this ongoing debate. I also attended a Food Standards Agency stakeholder meeting to challenge proposals and table industry concerns. Looking back over the last 10 months, I really believe it is important to emphasise that we continue to strive to provide a voice for the industry, to engage with the government with your best interests at heart and to represent businesses in government and EU forums. Many of you have already seen the benefits achieved with Plant Health and, more recently, with Marketing Standards.

We were delighted to visit QV Foods and welcome it on board as a new FPC member and we are also looking forward to visiting new member Karsten UK in Spalding later this month. It is good to know the industry values and supports its trade association and the commitment we have to the industry.

We welcome our new Re:fresh partnership with Market Intelligence and the organisation of the conference and awards programme for next year is well underway. Thursday, May 13 is the date for your diary, the Intercontinental Park Lane is the venue. Make sure you enter the Re:fresh Awards - 2010 could be your year!