Sir; I refer to the news report headlined Nestlé blasts independents for not passing on its promotions' (The Grocer, March 9). The thrust of my speech to the WCTA annual dinner centred on: "There has never been a greater urgency for suppliers, cash & carries and wholesalers to work together and to help retailers". I spoke about some of the pressures facing independents (such as the growth of other trade channels, changing shopper behaviour) but mostly about the wonderful opportunity that the confectionery category provides for the wholesale and independent channel, and how we can all take advantage of these (eg, secondary siting and linking categories together, such as confectionery and newspapers). Yes, promotions are a major factor in confectionery and yes, only about a third of retailers pass deals onto the consumer. That is fact. But despite this, there are huge opportunities irrespective of the various pressures the channel faces and we are in this together. This is, and always will be, a very important channel to our industry. I would also like to point out that the confectionery industry is not in long term decline, as reported in the article, reaching a massive £5.6bn in 2001. I am disappointed that only one element of the speech was covered and not the complete picture ­ which was challenging but also extremely positive. I would like to assure all retailers that Nestlé is totally committed to working with them whenever and however we can, and this report does not represent our position. Graham Walker Sales communications manager Nestlé Rowntree {{LETTERS }}

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