Maximising profits through paying less tax, tackling a declining bee population and the importance of employing a top quality workforce are some of the topics set to be discussed at UK trade fair National Fruit Show’s 2010 edition.
According to organisers, this year’s event, which is due to take place from 20-21 October near Maidstone, southern England, will also provide an opportunity for growers to showcase new varieties of fruit, while new technology, products and services will feature.
In a statement, show chairman Sarah Calcutt said that with “with exhibitor numbers as healthy as ever and talks on everything from bees to Bramleys”, organisers were “confident that 2010 will be one of the best shows ever”.
Ms Calcutt, who is also business development manager at UK fruit marketer Norman Collett, said it was hoped the introduction of a new soft fruit prize, offering visitors the chance to win £10,000 (€11,759), would also play its part in encouraging a record-breaking number of entries.
“Income has already matched 2009 levels, we have an impressive array of both long-standing and new exhibitors lined up and tickets for the (event) dinner sold out two months ago,” she said.
“It looks set to be a great show that will once again highlight the excellence of this country’s fruit while keeping growers up-to-date with new technology, products and services. We are delighted with the response to this year’s show and we are still talking to some companies that are wanting to book space.”
To highlight Norman Collett’s role in introducing Rubens into English apple orchards, Ms Calcutt said the group’s stand would feature a Rubens ‘roll of the dice’ competition designed to “put a spotlight on the six outstanding qualities and benefits that the variety offers English apple growers and buyers”.
“Visitors will be invited to take one lucky roll of seven die – and anyone lucky enough to defy the odds and roll a full house of seven sixes with a single throw will walk away with the £10,000 cash prize,” she explained.
The 2010 show will also include a number of talks focusing on a variety of different issues, including a “15 minute guide to avoiding tax in the fruit sector”, land usage, orchard planning, Bramley apples and the UK’s declining bee population.
