Having returned from our annual spring conference held this year in Prague, Czech Republic, it is good to have the opportunity to reflect on the passing of the first half of the year and make plans for the months ahead.
A lot has happened in Europe, and indeed the world, since January. The financial problems that beset the global economy at the start of 2009 have now evolved into substantial social and political unrest - the likes of which we have not seen for some time. There is an underlying discontent with both the business and political status quo of recent years and it is clear that the systems that we have taken for granted for the past few decades are now in need of major revision, if not a complete overhaul.
Like him or not, [former prime minister] Harold Wilson got it right when he said: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” While the challenge that change brings is inevitable for all of us, to a large degree, much of what is changing will have a far-reaching impact on the food and food distribution sector - in terms of ethics, sustainability and sourcing to name a few aspects. However, the time-proven flexibility, determination and resourcefulness of markets and their traders sees us ideally positioned to benefit from these developments as they arise.
One of the most evident transformations is the fact that markets are increasingly working together more closely as a sector in an effort to bring about greater awareness of their value, alongside increased support for their role and core needs. The dynamism and success that this type of market collaboration can bring to the sector is clearly demonstrated in the successful and positive repositioning of London wholesale markets. In Prague, it was evident to all participants that London’s market leaders are providing their European colleagues with a good dose of inspiration, bringing new knowledge and know-how into the profession.
WUWM is also benefitting from this surge of interest in market collaboration. In Prague, we agreed to encourage the initiation of a cross-border campaign - focusing on quality and freshness - to better assist in the aim of increasing European fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. However, while the will and expertise is available from our market members, it is also necessary that the European Commission and individual member states support such plans, providing markets and their associations with opportunities to access marketing and promotional funding.
The issues of wholesale market modernisation and redevelopment that formed the basis of our recent discussions in Prague reflected the fact that there are still many new projects underway in wholesale markets around the world. However, in order to continue to provide a modern and safe fresh produce distribution network, this commitment requires significant amounts of ongoing investment that will need to include the active participation of all beneficiaries within the sector - not just the government.