A record number of entries were recorded in the 2026 Long Term Farm Stored fruit competition, with 46 samples submitted by 12 exhibitors, including two new stores and entrants from outside Kent.

The competition, judged at AGA in Horsmonden on 26 February 2026, continues to provide valuable insight into fruit performance in storage, with this year’s results highlighting strong overall quality alongside greater variability in pressure across several classes.

Alongside established classes including Gala, Bramley, pears, Braeburn and mixed varieties, a new dedicated class for Jazz apples was introduced, contributing to increased number of entries. 

Judges reported that Gala entries showed consistently strong background colour across all samples. Differences between entries were largely driven by skin finish and pressure readings, which were more variable than in previous seasons. Stalk rot was identified as the most common defect.

In the Bramley class, two entries achieved full marks for skin finish, though only one sample was found to be clean internally. Defects included bitter pit, scald and rots, with pressure levels again showing noticeable variation.

The mixed ‘any other variety’ class featured a wide range of entries including Pink Lady, Smitten, Cox, Cameo and Magic Star. Samples were judged against variety specific criteria rather than a single standard. This was the only class requiring a tie break, with Magic Star placed ahead of Cameo due to a narrower pressure range. Seven of the nine entries scored over 98%, making it one of the closest classes.

All Jazz samples achieved full marks for background colour, although judges noted the widest variability in pressure seen in this variety for some time.

Pears were assessed on both appearance and ripening. Judges were pleased with the background colour given the late February judging date, though variation in shrivel and neck flexibility indicated differing levels of dehydration.

Braeburn was described as a strong class, though less consistent than usual. While typically closely scored, this year showed a wider spread of results, with pressure again identified as the main differentiating factor.

“Entries this year were exceptionally well supported, with a record number of samples across the classes,” said Caroline Ashdown. “We approach the judging in exactly the same way as we would store monitoring, looking closely at background colour, skin finish, pressure and internal quality to reflect real world practices. I would really encourage anyone who is considering it to enter next year, as the competition offers valuable insight into how fruit performs in store.”

Awards were presented as follows:

Class 22 – Gala – sponsored by Bloomfields

Third place: J.L. Baxter and Sons

Second place: Ian Ovary Farms

First place: Mansfields Farm Ltd

Class 23 – Bramley – sponsored by CA Services

Third place: Adrian Scripps Ltd

Second place: John Collingwood Fruit Farms

First place: A.C. Goatham and Sons

Class 24 – Any Other Variety – sponsored by Isolcell

Third place: Mansfields Farm Ltd with Smitten 

Second place: Newling Fruitgrowers Ltd with Cameo

First place: Newling Fruitgrowers Ltd with Magic Star

Class 25 – Jazz – sponsored by Isolcell

Third place: Mansfields Farm Ltd 

Second place: Chandler and Dunn

First place: J.L. Baxter and Sons

Class 26 – Pears – sponsored by CA Services

Third place: Mansfields Farm Ltd Second place: A.C. Goatham and Sons

First place: Motlands Farms Ltd

Class 27 – Braeburn – sponsored by UKCA Ltd

Third place: Adrian Scripps Ltd

Second place: Newling Fruitgrowers Ltd

First place: Mansfields Farms Ltd

The Ron Tassell Award for the Store Operator of the Best All Round Exhibit was presented to Newling Fruit Growers, with Jonathan Blunt recognised for his performance across the competition.