2003 has been another fruitful year for the French wholesaling sector. There have been a number of groundbreaking events during the last 12 months that make that first sentence more than just an annual cliché.

New regulations for Rungis market were announced last spring and are on their way to becoming reality. Only the French Parliament's heavy agenda ñ the least about which we say the better ñ has caused the slight delay in implementation. But it will happen and the sector stands to benefit in the long term.

France's regional wholesale market network also faced up to a new deal for its future being proposed by the government. Perhaps as a direct result, Lyon selected a private company to be responsible for the planning of the community's new market, despite heavyweight competitors such as the market authorities of Rungis and Barcelona being in the running.

Nevertheless, Rungis landlord Semmaris was not to be denied and became a shareholder of the Grenoble (French Alps) market during the autumn. This would appear to confirm the ability for one market's authority to become an active player in the management of other markets without blurring its motives. Does it though pave the way for Semmaris, or any other party to begin the true national and eventually international networking of the wholesale sector.

It is both a sign of the times and an indication of the future. Marketing concepts and activities have made a notable entrance into the everyday life of Rungis and elsewhere in France as the overall picture begins to become clear.

Markets must adapt to remain a major player in fresh produce distribution. New outlets gather up-to-date technology and traditional buildings are being revamped ñ expressing the vitality of the industry.

2004 will undoubtedly bring good and bad news. And challenges too. New European hygiene and food safety regulations due in January 2005 are now on every wholesaler's mind. This will mean more emphasis on quality ñ more investment too.

It is with all this in mind that I would like to wish you all my best for Christmas and the New Year. I personally would also like to thank all across the Channel who supported me in their own words following the loss of my father.