The excellent turnout at last week’s conference and awards was extremely encouraging. Judging by the atmosphere throughout and the positive feedback that we have received this week, the concept behind Re:fresh has struck a chord with many of you.

On behalf of the Journal, I’d like to thank everyone within the industry who supported this first event. We believe you were in at the start of something that will become a fixture in the UK fresh produce calendar.

Congratulations also to all the worthy winners of a Re:fresh award. The reaction all of the organisers have received from both the winners and the disappointed shortlisted companies has illustrated that even in year one, these are recognised as meaningful accolades.

The work starts now on next year’s event. But in the meantime, we would welcome any comments about either the conference or awards.

The lead article on this page will come as little surprise to anyone in produce. That the growth of the banana market has been stunted by falling prices was wholly predictable. But there has not been a decline, so the news is not disastrous.

The Banana Group was held up as an example to us all at the Re:fresh Conference - not for the first time. The methods behind its success are no trade secret, but no other campaign in this industry has even approached its phenomenal results.

Cost is put forward as the major barrier, but the Banana Group has reached its goals at an average cost of £350,000 a year. A significant outlay, but not beyond the means of those prepared to collaborate.

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