There’s a huge amount of change in the air in the industry at the moment, as evidenced by many of the news stories in our pages this week.

From companies investing in their brands and expanding to others going out of business, it is starting to become clear that the landscape of the UK industry could be substantially different by the year’s end.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive lately with stories of mergers and acquisitions, buyouts, managerial changes and company restructures, and there is likely to be considerable movement on all fronts as the year progresses.

One man who has already made his mark over many years is Robert Mitchell. Congratulations go to Robert for being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours this week. This is well-deserved recognition for a man who has given years of service to the top-fruit industry, and in particular to helping the next generation of workers find employment within the sector.

Mitchell will be on the bill at next Thursday’s FPJ Conferences - South East event, speaking about the vital issue of seasonal labour and giving his expert take on how he expects the situation to evolve in the coming years.

He takes his place among an extremely strong lineup of speakers, who will provide what is sure to be a fascinating and stimulating discussion on the major issues affecting the region’s producers (see p22).

The event will adopt the usual high level of interactivity that has become associated with our regional conferences, with lively debate guaranteed. I very much hope to see you there.