As with most conferences in this industry, potentially the most interesting comments went unsaid at last week’s Re:fresh. While delegates use the networking breaks to air their views, few are prepared to make public proclamations, or ask difficult questions, when the chance is presented.

The OFT’s Bob MacDowall for instance, must have irked a good number of those listening, as he made it clear that the protection of consumer interests, and not the interests of retailers or their suppliers, was the driving force behind the OFT Supermarket Code of Practice.

How can he justify a comment like that? He is hiding conveniently behind the politics of the situation, as did Somerfield’s Steve Ridge, when he said consumers will be the judge of whether the retailer acts properly in its own relationships with suppliers.

Consumers are not in a position to judge how their supermarket chain of choice is dealing with its suppliers. If MacDowall really meant what he said, the OFT would allow consumers to have a say in its code and if Ridge was being 100 per cent up-front, Somerfield would invite its shoppers to analyse not just its excellent fresh produce offer, but the process by which it finds its way onto the shelves.

MacDowall, Ridge and others were exposed to the industry last week, but their comments went largely unchallenged. That no-one in the audience chose to delve further was surprising, particularly in the case of the OFT.

On behalf of everyone at the Journal, congratulations to all winners at this years Re:fresh Awards.