Another 12 months gone and this industry no doubt looks entirely different than it did at the end of last year. Of course when you're in it, that's a lot harder to discern, as even though many hoped it wouldn't, the speed of change got even quicker in 2003.

It is the Journal's privileged position to be the only weekly UK trade publication that truly delivers news about the entire industry to the entire industry.

This year, we have brought you coverage of just short of 100 trade conferences, exhibitions or seminars in all corners of the globe. We have provided our subscribers in 60 countries with the UK focus their businesses require.

Our UK readers have, as ever, been given access to the most up-to-date information available on all categories and sources of fruit and vegetables. We have also either continued or introduced monthly series on IT, Rungis, HR, the FPC, recruitment and other areas that affect your every day business life. Our website goes from strength to strength and as well as being available in print every Friday, our news is instantaneously at your fingertips, on-line.

Next year we will do the same, but we will also do more. See your January 9 issue for news that offers even more scope for effective communication to the industry we serve.

I've had another great year watching this industry develop and look forward with great anticipation to 2004. Fresh produce ñ we love it!