A meaningful covering of snow in Lincolnshire on Easter Sunday left one optimistically mindful of 1976 and the snow in June which was a precursor to that long, hot summer. British Summer Time signals longer days, shorter nights and the impending Re:fresh Conference, which is now only weeks away.

We have worked hard with FPJ to bring you a packed programme, kicked off by Will Greenwood for the rugby buffs amongst us. dunnhumby will provide robust research on organic perceptions from consumer and trade aspects, followed by an organic debate in the afternoon. We all have a view, so let’s find out the facts, and if you have not already booked your place, don’t delay; this is a key subject in our industry, so be there and have your say.

Congratulations to all Re:fresh Awards finalists. The increasingly high standards year on year have made judging harder than ever, and my thanks to the panel of judges for the long hours of reading and deliberating. Thanks also to all of you who took the time to submit an entry. Competition was fierce, and if you didn’t find yourself in the finals this year, do not be put off; try again next year.

Out and about this month at New Covent Garden Market at a joint importer/wholesale meeting, it was great to see new faces and engage in meaningful discussion. In an ever-changing world it is crucial, in order to move forward and grow, that we constantly review the way we do things and embrace change and innovation. We thank Gary Marshall and Jan Lloyd for their kind hospitality and the chance to look around the market. We look forward to working with them as they continue to implement change in this great market, and we congratulate Jan on signing up for another three years to drive the initiative.

In conjunction with Brown & Co, we will soon launch a web-based carbon calculator, and New Covent Garden will be among the first to benefit.

I look forward to seeing many of you at Re:fresh. Make sure you come and say hello!