The European wholesale market evolution is quickening. In the last 12 months alone, the trade interface has been in the spotlight.

Rungis and then all the French markets have undergone long-awaited reforms. The situation in the London markets has also captured the industry's attention elsewhere. In eastern Europe, markets in countries soon to join the EU have strengthened through the auspices of regional associations.

The other trend is a wave of relocations: Rome, Turin, Bremen, Frankfurt, and last May I mentioned in this column Lyon market, which is due to be transferred to a new site.

This has caused a few concerns, but whatever the future, the transfer process obliged the community of Lyon to choose a body to be responsible for planning the new market.

A varied group of companies competed for the “prize”. People in the know noted that one had the Rungis management company Semmaris in its midst and another had Barcelona's Mercabarna.

Market authorities have long been keen to spread their know-how to other markets, often on other continents. It is interesting to note they now see the opportunity to focus on markets closer to home. Semmaris and similar organisations may have the influence, technical expertise and financial strength to get involved through a straight purchase or by participating in the management of Lyon market.

They may choose not to, but it brings to mind a meeting some years ago, when I had the opportunity to ask the Defra minister Nick Brown his opinion on selling New Covent Garden. Unflinchingly, he asked me if I wanted to buy it. Well, I could say now, actually, not me but I know a few men who might.