The introduction of the National School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is not bringing the desired benefits to the wholesale sector, Brian Daykin, president of the FPC wholesale division has warned.
The issue will be discussed at this weekend’s wholesale division conference near York as delegates now want to find a way to ensure they benefit from the 5-a-day campaign.
“We feel that as an industry we were led to believe that the NSFVS would benefit us, but that has not materialised,” said Daykin. “We are an important part of the industry and we should take the 5-a-day campaign on board and find ways we can benefit.”
The wholesalers will also be looking at market developments nationwide.
New Spitalfields and Covent Garden tenants are under new leadership. “There is also the potential refurbishment at Liverpool and the changing outlook at Manchester and Glasgow,” said Daykin. “These are all relevant to our part of the industry.”
One of the UK’s leading wholesalers David Matthews will speak at one of the conference sessions. Delegates will also discuss a response to government on the likely effect of increased traceability demands on the wholesale sector.
Delegates will consider proposals to government for refinement of the packaging waste regulations.
“We are no longer just receiving produce and selling it,” said Daykin. “We have to take on board traceability and waste management and be professional about what we do.”
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