It’s hard to believe that the annual pilgrimage to Berlin is almost upon us, and it’ll be fascinating to gauge the mood of the global trade in these most testing of times.

Erratic weather, the price squeeze and changes in retail sourcing strategies are all presenting challenges to the industry at a time of worldwide financial difficulty.

And yet in spite of all that, there’s so much to be positive about. There is widespread understanding of the critical need to improve the eating habits of the modern generation - with fruit and veg key to that objective - and all the talk is about increasing production and the balance of power starting to swing back in favour of the grower or supplier.

The list of finalists on the Fruit Logistica Innovations Award shortlist is further testament to the forward-thinking nature of the industry.

We hope you’ll agree there’s something for everyone in this week’s issue, including exclusive interviews with a government minister, an international TV star and the boss of a leading fresh produce company, as well as in-depth analysis of key issues such as supermarket direct sourcing and the role of producer organisations.

Our salary survey shines a revealing light on the differences between supplier and retailer pay, while our feature on vertical farming offers a glimpse into one potential solution to the global food shortage.

FPJ will be exhibiting at Fruit Logistica in Hall 7.2C, stand A-05, so please do drop by and have a chat. We look forward to seeing you there!