Just where do I begin on the highs and lows that have gripped the fresh produce industry in 2009?

Our round-up of the year (p16) provides a snapshot of the key events of the last 12 months, although doing such a tumultuous year justice in six pages is no mean feat.

There is no question that it has been a very unpredictable 12 months and we are certainly not out of the woods yet, with question marks hanging over the future health of the economy. We have seen plenty of mergers and acquisitions finalised - not least here at FPJ - and, sadly, some notable closures along the way.

But there is also plenty of heartening news to take home from 2009. Innovation has lived on in the launch of numerous new product lines; environmental and waste-cutting initiatives have gathered pace as the fruit and vegetable industry has sought greater efficiencies; DEFRA has lent its support to the industry; and consumers have continued to buy into the fresh produce aisles with alacrity.

Our sector, while not exactly unscathed, has come through 2009 more or less in one piece, putting us in a strong position to tackle 2010 and its inherent challenges head on.

On behalf of everyone at FPJ, I would like to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you for all your support in 2009 and we look forward to catching up with you all again in 2010.