It’s a worrying week for any trade when one of its leading companies reveals it is in financial difficulties.

While the UK fresh produce industry has had its share of financial issues in the last five years, firms in the larger bracket, turnover wise, have all kept their heads above water, despite regular visits to the rumour mill. So Bomfords entering administration is still a shock.

As FPJ went to press on Wednesday, Deloitte was hopeful that the situation could be resolved quickly. Let’s add to that the hope that the damage to the vegetable sector, which has endured a traumatic enough period in its history as it is, can be limited.

Inside this week, we have the first of a new series of reports on the fresh produce sectors in different regions of the UK. Regional sourcing shows no signs of being a short-term fad and now the retailers, in particular, have nailed their colours to the mast of provenance, it is highly unlikely they will ever be allowed to divert from this route.

No-one directly involved in this industry is daft enough to downgrade the importance of imported fruit and vegetables. But the drive to increase the share of home-grown product sold in the UK is inescapable. FPJ recognises this too and our monthly reports will spotlight just what the country’s regions offer to this end.