I have always been a great supporter of the Marden Fruit Show Society (MFSS) and its annual National Fruit Show, and at times have even found myself defending the event.

Nowadays, there at least seem to be fewer people who, while accepting that the show provides an excellent shop window for the UK apple and pear industry, question the value of its competition classes.

The argument is that while rows and rows of perfectly graded and coloured varieties are impressive, they have little to do with the reality of the marketplace, which often finds itself subjected to the vagaries of the weather, or to various retail specifications which are only minutely different from one another.

But there is far more to the show than that - not least the value it brings in terms of creating a common purpose within what has always been a tightly knit and patriotic community.

This year’s event will be no exception, and will perhaps be particularly apposite at a time when - despite a generally high level of confidence in prospective sales - there are reverberations following the announcement that First Fruit Ltd has closed its doors.

Pressing trade issues aside, however, it was good news this week from the MFSS at its AGM, which celebrated the start of the society’s 75th anniversary. The organisation has decided, as far as funds will allow, to spread its message wider to the public.

The meeting also reflected the importance of its ongoing strong connections with East Malling Research (EMR), and the dedication of numerous growers whose praises are unsung, but give their time freely at EMR to keep their industry at the technological forefront.

Admittedly, the UK may not have come up with too many of its own new varieties, but the storage trials are an excellent example of successful co-operation in extending the season over the years.

Although there are indications that there will be less Bramley available in late summer, it seems extraordinary to remember that, once upon a time, this now year-round season only lasted until the end of December, while Egremont Russet, historically a Christmas apple, tis year is still on sale in April.

Of course, nothing stands still, and while Cox remains the dominant variety, every year it seems to be challenged not just from abroad, but also from the contents of our own British orchards. These are producing more and more Gala and Braeburn, not to mention other increasingly popular varieties already over the horizon.

This has already added a new dimension to the industry, whose goal must inevitably be to ensure that the price of good-quality fruit as it increases in volume does not follow the path experienced by Golden Delicious.

Success is usually judged on both the satisfaction of the supermarket buyers, and the provision of a return which is profitable to the producer. But the ongoing technological developments and high level of expertise that usually stay out of the limelight, and are only publicly displayed at the Kent Showground once a year, are integral to that success. And that is what the MFSS has always recognised, ever since its inception.