The FPC’s 61st annual dinner took place on February 28 at the Savoy Hotel in London. This traditional, patriotic evening was a resounding success and extremely well-attended, despite coinciding with a bumper day of Six-Nations rugby matches. Good food, excellent wines and a great atmosphere assisted in easing the pain of the earlier English defeat…

During his speech, Michael Velasco, FPC president, emphasised the importance of the recently launched Eat in Colour campaign and called on those present to support the PR initiative. The guest of honour, Señor Don Javier Carbjosa, acting ambassador for Spain, delivered a first-rate response and praised the strong and successful partnership between his country and members of the UK fresh produce industry. Señor Carbjosa received rapturous applause, one suspects not only for his amusing wit but also for the length of his speech, which was impressively concise.

The cabaret bore some resemblance to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series, and included a somewhat untraditional, eye-catching break dance performance to a Spanish rap number! Dancing followed, to the talented, ever-popular Dark Blues, whose programme included something for everyone, including an impressive rendition of the Scissor Sisters, and kept the dance floor packed until the early hours.

We wish to thank Foods from Spain, the major sponsors and all of the other sponsors for their support of this wonderful event.

We regret the Savoy is closing for refurbishment and will not be available for 2008. However, we are on the case and are already organising the 62nd event at an equally prestigious location. Watch this space for details.