Spring around the corner heralds a mood of anticipation for mild temperatures with plenty of sunshine, for England to win the Six Nations Championship and for a record number of Refresh Awards entries!

Re:fresh enjoys great industry support and I would like to thank all sponsors, in particular, Prophet and Florette. The popularity of this event grows year on year and I am convinced 2011 will be the best yet - we asked for your views and listened to your responses. We are therefore delighted to be back at the Intercontinental Park Lane and to have secured BBC TV funny man Hugh Dennis as our compere for the evening awards ceremony.

The deadline for entries is 18 March - if you haven’t considered the possibility of your company name up in lights with you and your colleagues on stage collecting a trophy in front of more than 550 of the industry’s leading names, there is still time to enter.

We have shortened the conference this year to start in the afternoon following a great networking lunch in the fabulous surroundings of the Park Lane Suite and flowing into the awards ceremony. We have designed a packed conference programme to deliver meaningful industry debate and we value your input so make sure you join us to discuss the changing face of our sector. There has been increased interest in the expo, which is a great way to raise your company profile and remember, stands will remain in situ throughout the pre-dinner reception and the awards event.

It was fabulous to see so many of you at the Savoy at our 65th FPC Annual Dinner, which returned to the iconic Lancaster Ballroom following its re-opening last autumn. The evening was a sell-out and Morocco proved a spectacular guest nation. We were honoured to host Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Joumala Ambassador to His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Court of St James, along with a delegation of Morocco’s finest producers. Our five course menu reflected the outstanding fresh produce from this nation and Sophie Hanna of New Covent Garden Market provided spectacular floral displays. Thanks to major sponsors Maroc Export and Anglia Business Solutions, whose support enabled us to organise a special evening.

Our Plant Health inspection briefings organised in conjunction with Fera and held at Perishable Movements Ltd (PML) and Western International Wholesale Market provided key information on the impending increased plant health inspections, which are due to come into operation at Heathrow and Manchester airports at the end of March. This initiative is due to be rolled out to Gatwick and some sea ports in the coming months and the increased physical inspections will include changes to current working patterns so be aware, don’t get caught out.