Opinion

The grocery industry may not be the most obvious hunting ground for John Major when he goes in search of economic miracles to colour his election manifesto. Yet the PM and his party advisors might find inspiration among the pages of the annual report of Food From Britain. Allowing for vagaries of world commodity prices the UK has been able to contend a respectable spot in the premier league of world food exporters. This is due in increasing part to FFB. From the lower reaches of the overseas selling divisions a couple of decades ago, our shippers have since often scored maximum points to justify places for themselves alongside the best in the world. Thus the smiles of satisfaction on the faces of the FFB team this week are understandable. Its financial year 1995/96 is notable in that, for the first time, the industry has contributed the majority of the Government-backed group's financing ­ illustrating a welcome swing of support for the organisation. FFB has had an eventful 13 years at the exports helm. In its early days, despite bravely lining up alongside the might and experience of Sopexa of France and CMA of Germany, it was not without its critics, occasionally suffering the jibe that its broad-based formula was too ambitious. But during recent years a refocused operation, concentrating on overseas sales and speciality foods, has brought a rise in export consciousness. Significantly, perhaps partly due to the demise of some of farming's marketing structures ­ notably the Milk Boards ­ even the critical green-wellied sector has warmed to FFB's co-ordinating efforts. The next significant date is IFE97, the International Food Exhibition at Earls Court in February. There, despite being on home ground, our export battalions will need to be at their most proactive as a larger than usual overseas presence of exhibitors and buyers is predicted. The refocused FFB is making its mark. Hopefully, its sharper emphasis on exports and specialities will ensure it a place even higher up the premier exporting league in the seasons ahead.{{NEWS}}