The Marden Fruit Show Society, registered charity and organisers of the National Fruit Show, held its Annual General Meeting on 24 March 2026 at the Mumford Building, NIAB, East Malling, ME19 6BJ.

Held jointly with British Apples and Pears, the AGM reviewed a successful 2025 Show, highlighted continued growth in entries and attendance, and outlined plans for the year ahead, alongside updates on the Society’s education programme and the Long Term Farm Stored fruit competition.

Opening the meeting, President Catherine Paice thanked members for their continued support and highlighted the importance of encouraging more young people into agriculture, particularly as labour shortages continue to affect the sector.

Chairman Nigel Bardsley presented his report, confirming that the National Fruit Show is now on a stable footing following the move to a one day format. 

“We saw strong growth in fruit competition entries, increased visitor numbers, and consistently busy trade stands throughout the day,” said Nigel Bardsley, Chairman of the Marden Fruit Show Society. “Feedback has been very positive, and it is clear the Show is delivering real value for both growers and exhibitors.”

Fruit competition entries saw notable increases, with top fruit classes receiving 90% more entries than 2024 and 15% more than 2023. Nut classes recorded their strongest turnout since 2022, while both the new Harlequin class and the returning Tastiest Apple competition were well supported.

“We simplified the criteria and made the entry process easier, which helped encourage more growers to get involved,” said Nigel. “The central display of fruit was a fantastic exhibit of what we can produce in the UK. I hope it will continue to be something we can be proud of as I don’t think you see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world.”

Attendance at the 2025 show also saw significant growth. Ticket registrations indicated a 33% rise in visitor numbers (compared to 2024), and trade stands reported consistent footfall throughout the day.

“I had growers say to me it was a first class show and well worth attending,” said Nigel. “Trade stands also told me they were busy all day and some said they did more business at the National Fruit Show than at other trade shows they had attended in 2025.”

Other improvements, including changes to the President’s Breakfast and the end of Show reception and prize giving, were also well received.

Nigel closed by thanking sponsors, including major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, alongside Show Manager, Eileen Haffenden, and the Society’s committee.

“Finally, I would like to encourage everyone to become a member of the Marden Fruit Show Society,” said Nigel. “It’s not that costly, and every pound received helps support the Show, the education programme, and the work we do throughout the year.”

Following Nigel, Mandy Hounsell provided a review of the Society’s education programme, which, supported by industry sponsors, continues to play a key role in raising awareness of careers in fruit growing amongst 11 to 16 year olds.

“We delivered 11,389 face to face engagements in the last academic year, with meaningful time spent with students,” said Mandy.

Building on this success, the programme is now placing greater emphasis on careers education.

“We are focused on helping 11 to 16 year olds to better understand how their education translates into future opportunities and how to connect what they are learning in school, as part of the national curriculum, with real world careers across the fruit sector,” said Mandy. “It can be difficult for businesses to attend school events, so we act as a link between the industry and the next generation.”

Practical demonstrations are already being incorporated into school visits and careers events, giving students a clearer picture of day to day work within the industry. Demand for the programme is also growing, with invitations to attend major agricultural shows across the country.

“I am always asking for funding, but what I really need is your time,” said Mandy. “If you can teach me something, I can take it into schools and showcase it. Even on a small scale, it can spark an interest and show young people what this industry has to offer.”

Finally, at the AGM, details of the 2026 Bonanza Prize were also announced. Sponsored by Staxsons mechanical and electrical services, the prize draw is open to growers achieving at least 85 points across three or more fruit classes (1–17), with the winner receiving an installed air to air heat pump system worth £1,250.

The next National Fruit Show will take place on 4 November 2026 at the Kent Showground.