Kent fruit growers dominate National Show
The event, which took place at the Kent County Show, Detling, saw the numbers of entries drop year on year due to the late cherry harvest. Judging took place prior to the opening of the show, and for the first time included a ‘Taste of Kent' category with cherry, strawberry and raspberry entries. This new category was judged by two members of the public and awarded purely based on the taste experience.
The season's weather has contributed to the reduced entries, with many growers stating that, "if the show was two weeks later there would be a bumper crop of cherries". However, the distinguished panel of judges deliberated over more than 100 entries including 19 varieties of cherries and a range of strawberry and raspberry varieties vying for category honours, medals and cups.
Amongst the successful Berry Garden growers were Sunrise Fruits with four cherry category wins, Kelsey Farms with six category wins and a further nine medals and cups including The Fruiterers' Company Medal. B R Brooks won four awards including the inaugural ‘Taste of Kent' Award with their Driscoll's Jubilee strawberries and Hugh Lowe Farms received a first prize for their raspberries.
Alistair Brooks commented on his winning entries, "The ‘Taste of Kent' award demonstrates that producing fruit is dependent on the buying public's acceptance of varieties, which must offer great tasting fruit in order to be successful."
In its 83rd year, the National Cherry & Soft Fruit Show is the leading competition of its kind and one of the oldest soft and stone fruit shows, taking entries from growers all over the UK. The annual contest is the third most visited exhibit at the Kent County Show contributing to the public attraction of the event.