The 2020 annual Provision Trade Federation (PTF) dinner will no longer be taking place on 26th March as previously planned. The organisers had been keeping the position under close review but in the light of the evolving coronavirus (Covid-19) situation and the latest iterations of Government advice it has cancelled the event.

Although the advice at the time of the decision did not currently require such gatherings to be cancelled or postponed, the PTF said it was very aware that a number of member companies have more stringent policies of their own, not only in relation to meetings and events, but also in respect of protocols within their own businesses. It was also expecting guests from a number of countries where more restrictive policies are already in force to not be able to attend.

The trade body told Food Management Today: “We are also conscious of the burdens which the fast changing situation is putting on all parts of the food supply chain – and hope that by acting now we are at least removing a small part of those uncertainties and maximizing the chances of your being able to cancel associated hotel and travel plans.

“We are still working through the consequences of this decision for all concerned and any other options which may be available at a later date.

“Please bear with us as we try to untangle the various elements of this. We will update further as soon as we can.”