The Walnut class at the National Fruit Show is organised by the Walnut Club. Entries are invited from both commercial and amateur growers. Entries must consist of eight nuts in their shells unbleached. This year the class is being sponsored for the first time by Kent food company Opies.

Opies MD, William Opie says: “Each year we process around 200 tonnes of fresh walnuts for pickling. We are working closely with a number of growers to develop a UK supplier base and we expect to see our use of home-grown walnuts increase significantly in the future. Opies Pickled Walnuts are one of the only products of its kind and we are extremely proud to be sponsoring the Walnut Class competition at this year’s show.”

Opies is one of the oldest family-owned food companies in the UK beginning life as Bennett Opie in 1880. Based in Sittingbourne, Kent, Opies is a family business to the core, with successive generations building on Bennett’s initial success.

From world-famous pickled walnuts to cocktail cherries and luxury bottled fruit; from organic condiments through to a tasty selection of pickles; Opies aims to provide delicious accompaniments to everyday meals as well as products that help transform a simple gathering into a party occasion.