The theme of this year’s Re:fresh Conference - ‘Beyond the Big Four’ - could not be more pertinent.

As the supermarkets become increasingly difficult to supply, with unpredictable margins the norm and tenders coming round more regularly than ever before, it is inevitable that suppliers will start seeking alternative outlets for their produce. Those firms who have ploughed millions into retailer-specific quality assurance schemes are also finding that their efforts no longer put them at an advantage, and they are well and truly back in the pack and in danger of being priced out of their categories.

Some serious changes to the way the fresh produce business is structured lie ahead. The supermarkets won’t necessarily become less important, but there is also rising demand for out-of-home eating - despite the recession - and independent retailers and greengrocers are slowly starting to make something of a comeback. With 40 per cent of the fruit and vegetables sold in this country going nowhere near a supermarket shelf, it is evident that there is indeed life beyond the big four.

Still on the topic of Re:fresh, don’t forget that there is just one week left to get your award entries in to the judges - April 10 is the closing deadline. I look forward to seeing you all on May 28, for what promises to be a stimulating conference and a glittering awards ceremony.