Clive Edmed has won Tesco's top English apple and pear award, being named the retailer’s Grower of the Year, based on last season's performance.
The competition is open to all of Tesco's 180 English top-fruit producers within three categories, provided they have achieved Gold or Silver standard Nature's Choice.
Edmed who grows Bramley at Horsmonden, Kent, initially won the “Above 14-hectare” class, and then beat the challenge of Sussex supplier Martin Williams, winner of the “Smaller Orchard” section, and Marden grower/packer Richard Day.
Entrants were nominated by their marketing organizations and assessed by Tesco judges Martin de la Fuente, senior buying manager for fruit, Shaun Doherty, top-fruit technical manager, and Carole Brunton, responsible for quality control.
The award is recognition of Edmed’s overall fruit quality and expertise, said Doherty, who explained: "We take into account vital aspects beyond day-to-day orchard management, and the percentage of fruit which reaches Class I.
"We are looking for our growers' commitment in the future by the long-term development, accurate forecasting and the level of information that they pass back to us on a regular basis to influence our marketing strategies."
The fourth annual awards' dinner was held at Leeds Castle in the heart of Kent, following a marketing conference attended by more than 100 delegates.
Growers also heard that Tesco had delivered on its promise to ensure English apples and pears were given greater prominence in its 1,880 stores. De la Fuente estimates that in 2006 Tesco's sold 35 per cent of all English apples and pears. This includes half the Gala crop and a substantial proportion of Braeburn, which he stressed were direct import replacements.
“We are committed to the English industry, and have delivered against our promise. It is a marathon, not a sprint, so we are here for the long haul," he said. "Tesco's Award scheme is in recognition and appreciation of what our growers do for our business."
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