As we headed up to Perth this week for our inaugural FPJ Conference, it was pertinent that news of Scotland’s health problems hit the headlines, with the Scottish government unveiling a plan to work with the food industry to tackle the country’s obesity “timebomb”.

There was a general consensus among our delegates that educating youngsters about the fresh produce industry should be a key aim for the whole supply chain if it wants to boost its profile and stamp out Scotland’s rising obesity epidemic.

“Collaboration” was the key word of the day, as delegates caught up with friends old and new and sought to create stronger partnerships.

Scotland’s fresh produce industry appears to have adopted a realistic, constructive view of the way the sector will progress in the region, and suppliers are keen to explore new prospects in wholesale, foodservice and independent retail, among other avenues.

Most important of all, delegates were certainly not afraid to nail their colours to the mast and discuss what is and isn’t working for the Scottish fresh produce sector. Focusing on the industry as a whole and looking beyond the individual needs of any one business is surely the only way to implement real change, and it was refreshing to see so much willingness to do exactly that on display in Perth.

Thanks to all of you who helped make the event such a success. Our next FPJ Conference will be held in Manchester at the start of June. Watch this space for details.