I have already noted that 2008 could be considered the Year of the Market but, with the Chinese New Year already upon us, I don’t mind taking this opportunity to say it again - I am happy to use this platform to announce that WUWM will launch three global Market of the Year Awards in 2008.

The first of these awards will recognise the role of markets in the community. Most of our member markets are seen as public services, whether public or privately owned, and most are involved in activities or projects that support their communities - whether in the area of health, education, support of small- and medium-sized enterprises, culture, tourism or economy. We feel it is high time to acknowledge and reward the role of food markets in building and supporting local economies and communities.

Another WUWM award will be given for market innovation. Most of our European member markets were opened in the 1970s. The oldest market is in London, which opened in 1867, with several in Portugal, Spain and Italy opened as recently as 2004. After around 35 years of activity to face competition from other food distribution channels, wholesale markets have made, and continue to make, huge investments. Our research notes that during 2000-03, more than €1.3 billion (£975 million) was spent on improving market premises to make them more efficient, both in technical and hygienic terms. We know that 91 per cent of our member markets realised significant investments in the period, towards maintenance of existing buildings (50 per cent of members), construction of new buildings (40 per cent), upgrading buildings (34 per cent), and improving the efficiency of wholesalers (26 per cent). More than 80 per cent of our market members also had future projects in mind, with around 10 per cent of markets planning for short-term relocation. This second award will focus on ensuring recognition is given to those markets who have excelled in any area of market innovation.

A final award for the role of markets in the creation of a sustainable environment will also be given. Wholesale market authorities have taken many opportunities to improve the environmental effectiveness of their markets in recent years - in particular, through the reduction of energy requirements, limiting harmful environmental concerns such as noise and traffic, facilitating effective sewage and water treatments, and reducing waste to landfill. We intend to recognise, promote and reward those good efforts too.

Each of these awards will be offered annually from 2008 onwards. A call for nominations for each category will be made in the coming weeks, with judging to take place at the WUWM 26th congress, to be held in Copenhagen later this year. Please visit www.wuwmcongresscopenhagen.dk for details.