NEW European wholesale guidelines could spell trouble for smaller firms, Fresh Produce Consortium ceo Doug Henderson revealed this week.

Headed by Rungis market chief Monsieur Spielerin, the European Fresh Produce Association (EFPA) had its first meeting on Tuesday – and the summit was 'most interesting', according to Henderson.

He said that in the future 'the thrust is going to be on processes rather than the products.

'New European fruit law is going to have an impact on wholesale markets,' he said. 'It will make it much more difficult for small businesses to comply with the legislation.' Henderson explained economies of scale enjoyed by larger firms through their pre-empting of increased restriction and regulation on quality assurance and food safety law, meant many big boys would be able to comply quite readily.

He warned that 'this will pose a challenge to the wholesaler' and promised the FPC would be discussing the implications in the near future.

Another phenomenon discussed at the meeting was the rise in the use of returnable packaging.

Stackable plastic containers have been adopted by much of the industry to help firms comply with the packaging waste bill.

Henderson broadly welcomed their use – which is seen as better for the environment and less wasteful than traditional disposable systems – but also said the trend would present its own challenges for the trade.