Kent top-fruit grower Newmafruit has won the National Fruit Show’s top prize for the second year running with fruit from the same award-winning Cameo orchard.
The company won the NFU-sponsored Best in Show award for its Cameo exhibit, with a score of 99/100, as well as winning the Best All Round Exhibit in Show.
Rubens apple was awarded the Tastiest Apple accolade, beating off competition from 100 other entries and last year's winner Jazz, and taking the top spot ahead of runner up Cameo.
Grown by J & B Darbyshire, of Chapel Grange Farm and marketed by Avalon Produce, Rubens also won best in Class 6. Steward Brian Tompsett said: “It is very rare for an apple to gain the highest points in the competition judging and also win on flavour.”
The much-anticipated Bonanza Prize Draw was won by grower Elverton Farms, with a cash prize of £1,000 to be spent on farm projects, sponsored by Vigo.
Loddington Farm beat established club varieties to win the John Breach award for best exhibit of its own Cox-Braeburn cross Cheerful Gold, while Dessert apple grower under 40 was won by organic grower Mole End Farm.
Newly-created Class 21 – Novice Bramley grower under 40 – was won for the first time by Elverton Farms, while heaviest single apple, weighing in at 1,080g, was scooped by Loddington Farm, and heaviest single pear, 874g, was taken by L Stevens & Sons.
Held at the Kent County Showground, Detling, this year’s show had an increased focus on competition classes with 148 entries across 21 classes.
Show chair Sarah Calcutt said the fruit competition is the “highlight of the show”. “Fruit growers take their product very seriously and strive year on year to ensure that consumers can buy high quality, great tasting fruit.”
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