As you no doubt all read on the front page of last week’s FPJ, interesting times are afoot here at Market Towers, with the news that Market Intelligence Limited has acquired Lockwood Press Limited, the publisher of FPJ and co-organiser of Re:fresh.

This is a truly exciting move for Lockwood Press, and one that promises great opportunities for future consolidation and growth. However, the news is also tinged with sadness, as we say goodbye to the Hope-Mason family, who over four generations and for much of FPJ’s long history have been at its helm. Their dedication and commitment to the UK fresh produce business will not be forgotten.

On behalf of everyone at Lockwood Press, I would like to thank the Hope-Mason family for its support of FPJ, the weekly magazine that has served the fresh fruit and vegetable business in the UK since 1895. And I am delighted that the owners of Market Intelligence have demonstrated their commitment to the UK by taking on this opportunity.

At FPJ, we remain totally dedicated, under our forward-thinking new management, to serving the UK fresh fruit and vegetable business with the best-quality news, information and more.

This change in ownership marks the end of one illustrious era - and the start of a new and exciting period in the long and distinguished history of FPJ.