Probably the best thing about New Year predictions is that very few readers actually remember them by the time the 365 days have passed. Notwithstanding, and at the request of the editor, a look forward should stimulate the senses and even do something to keep resolutions in place for a little while.

One thing that seems certain looking at the economic scenario expected to unfold, is that both individually and nationally, things will be getting tighter financially. Here at least, even if the fresh produce industry is already being hit by the escalating price of energy, there should be some consolation derived from the products themselves - an old and respected sage in the trade used to claim that while demand for everything from washing machines to furniture could be affected in such a scenario, food would be the last thing to suffer from the lack of a purchaser.

Hopefully, this theory will hold up, although perhaps there will be a surge in the demand for Class II overall, led by roots, vegetables and salads. I make the distinction as fruit has always filled a different role, and because the healthy-eating culture may stand a better chance than it did 20 years ago, when it was even considered - I believe unfairly - as a luxury.

So 2008, if the purse strings are pulled tight, could be the time when the 5 A DAY message could really see the benefits from its long-term investment.

If there is a sector more vulnerable, where customers might think twice, it must be the often highly packaged, added-value range designed to catch the eye. The national media has already “discovered” this phenomenon - although it has been around for a long time - and also linked it to the debate about air miles, which will pass another annual milestone.

To my mind, this reflects the ongoing and inaccurate use of the term “seasonality”, which while it may indirectly extol the benefits of supporting British growers, can at certain times of the year be as out of focus as Marie Antoinette’s suggestion that the citizens of Paris should eat cake because there was no bread.

In fact, readers might consider that I have uttered my own brand of heresy when I reveal that I believe the majority of shoppers are still not really worried about the source of their food, provided it is safe, enjoyable and nutritious - in that order. Any past boycotts that the industry has experienced have been briefly brought about mainly by political or moral indignation.

The one thing that is certain is that the multiples will continue to exercise their buying power along the distribution chain and seek to be even closer to the grower, both at home and abroad. Just how far this will extend will in all probability be the key aspect that will affect the next year in fresh produce. With it will come the call for more detail and the development of programmes that are already linked to horticultural developments for the seasons ahead, meaning more investment. But only time will tell if this in itself will contract the structure of the industry further.

Meanwhile, watch this space for the year ahead.