The NABMA Wholesale Forum yesterday attracted a record attendance at Bilingsgate, City of London with an excellent early morning tour of the market and a wide ranging agenda that indicated the role of NABMA in driving many food initiatives at home and overseas.

The debates heard of the linking up of the London wholesale markets for an exciting initiative and branding of wholesale food in 2008. Also issues surrounding the operation of wholesale markets throughout the U.K including recycling, health and safety, new funding initiatives, quality standards for markets and general performance and compliance with recent legislation.

A highlight of the day was a visit to the Billingsgate Sea Food Training School where courses are arranged for enthusiastic amateur cooks, for the industry itself and for schools and educational establishments.

Chairman of the Forum Councillor John Ahern, Derby praised the City of London and Billingsgate for the visit. “This was undoubtedly one of our best visits and most visionary meetings. It appears that Wholesale markets in the U.K have high occupancy levels, excellent standards and professionalism in management and are a beacon for other countries to follow. Throughout the day we heard of numerous cases of good practice and the London Food promotions for 2008 offer a platform for a national celebration of the value and importance of our wholesale markets.”

In the weeks ahead the NABMA website will detail more fully some of the initiatives and good practice as shared by delegates at the meeting.

The June 2008 Forum will be held in Glasgow.