Tony Dorey, who held the role of development technologist at Total Exotics in the UK, has confirmed that he is to leave the group at the end of the week.

In an email sent to colleagues and clients, Dorey thanked everyone that he had worked with during his four-and-a-half year spell on the group's technical team, as well as those at Utopia UK prior to the purchase by the Total Produce Group, reports Fruitnet.com.

"This time has been very interesting with many up and downs along the way," he said in the email.

"It's a small industry that we are all involved with, and I am sure that I will have the opportunity to interact with many of you again in the future, either in your current position or in future projects."