FPC Annual Dinner 2011 - Guest Nation Morocco

Our 65th Annual Dinner was a resounding success and the Savoy’s Lancaster Ballroom did not disappoint.  With a capacity crowd we were privileged to host our guest of honour HH Princess Lalla Joumala Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Court of St James. 

Morocco was an excellent guest nation and the exotic sights, flavours and sounds of this great country contrasted perfectly with the historic elegance of the Savoy.

Amongst our guests we were also delighted to host the newly appointed Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, Mr Sandys Dawes and his lovely wife Leslie. Sandys is currently cultivating one of the country's finest cherry orchards on his Kent estate and the FPC looks forward to visiting and to working together in the coming months.  

The evening was a great celebration of our industry and the trading relations we enjoy with Morocco and it was good to see key members of exporting companies such as Dellasus and Geda amongst our number.    

Spectacular centre pieces and displays created by Sophie Hanna of Covent Garden sported Moroccan produce and flowers, and excellent authentic, professional musicians from Rabat gave the evening a truly exotic flavour.

In his speech FPC President Jim Rogers referred to our great trading relationship with Morocco and emphasised that UK production and imports are equally critical to deliver UK and global food security.

The Princess highlighted the investment of sustainable production in Morocco and the importance of strong trading relations with the UK.

Entertainment continued with our popular strolling magician Peter Stirrup and dancing until the early hours to the excellent 9 piece contemporary dance band China Grove. 

Our sincere thanks to Maroc Export and Anglia Business Solutions for sponsoring this grand event, and to over 300 guests for making our 65th annual dinner such a special occasion.