The National Fruit Show is to take place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October.
Now in its 78th year the annual event is the industry showcase, the two-day trade show is to host farming minister Jim Paice this year.
It hosts fruit competitions including dessert apples and pears, culinary varieties, apple juice, soft fruit and nuts and for the first time this year, members of the public will help decide the country’s tastiest apple.
On the opening day the Marden Fruit Show Society president, the Rt. Hon Michael Jack MP will chair an industry debate. Topics for discussion will be as far reaching as sustainability and ensuring food security as the industry target a 50 per cent market share.
Michael Jack said: “This show, with its stunning displays of top quality fruit, will play its part in demonstrating to both retailers and the food service sector that the industry will be able to deliver a sustainable future with fruit that the consumer will really enjoy.”
Sarah Calcutt, Chair of the Society added “this is an exciting opportunity for growers to openly discuss the current political climate and the financial constraints placed upon the industry as a whole. We hope to generate a strong message about what is required in the future to ensure a vibrant, profitable source of safe produce for UK consumers”.
The show dinner will be held at Turkey Mill in Maidstone with a drinks reception sponsored by OrchardWorld prior to the dinner sponsored by Hadlow College. The menu will reflect local, sustainable and seasonal produce with Allan Wilkinson, head of agricultural banking at HSBC as after dinner speaker.
The show closes on 20 October when a large proportion of the fruit displays will be taken to Countryside Live at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate on 22-23 October.
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