The National Fruit show returns on 24-25 October for its 85th anniversary, putting it in venerable company at the same age as Joan Collins, Yoko Ono and Michael Caine.
This year’s free-to-attend show, held at the Kent Event Centre, will be opened by NFU president Minette Batters, who will also address attendees at a time of unprecedented flux in the industry as a result of the Brexit uncertainty. “The show this year is no exception to the high-achieving events that have gone before, in fact in many ways it will be delivering more than many of its predecessors given our turbulent times,” says show chair Sarah Calcutt.
The show is particularly well-known for its various fruit competitions, and this year could see an extra hard-fought contest, according to Calcutt: “The fruit competition remains at the heart of our event and the Tastiest Apple class is expected to be especially hotly contested after all the warm weather enjoyed in the summer”.
Entries are also expected to be strong as this year’s bonanza prize is based around technology, environment and crop management and is a three-year package worth £10,000 to the winner. The prize from Hutchinsons will optimise inputs and yield by using technology to understand the resources required to grow high-quality topfruit and provide insight in orchard management. The prize will be made up of five components, which include healthy soils assessment, nutrition planning services, orchard and soil mapping, yield predictive technology and agronomic support.
For the first time 2018 sees the launch of a cider competition, with a public vote deciding the finalists. Brews from all over the UK are in the mix following a successful social media campaign promoting the opportunity.
Positioned around the exhibition will be just under 100 trade stands, where visitors can find industry leaders in technology, plant breeding and research, marketing, packaging and labour provision. “The show is now consistently delivering what British topfruit growers require,” says show manager Maria Clarke. “We work hard to ensure that our visitors can find the support services and suppliers that they need to keep moving forward.”
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