Below is the citation to accompany the presentation of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Fruit Culture Award 2022 to Brian Tompsett at the National Fruit Show. Our congratulations to Brian who has been such a key part of the show judging for many years.

“The Fruiterers’ Fruit Culture Award is given in recognition of a substantial contribution to the fruit industry through communication skills or the transfer of technology. There are a lot of excellent candidates and the competition is stiff. I am therefore very pleased to announce that the Company is presenting the award this year to Brian Tompsett.

Brian worked his way up to management level on a number of farms in both East and West Kent, with increasing levels of responsibility and respect from his peers. He has always been very keen on the various industry competitions that demonstrate the high quality of UK fruit production. Brian was successful as a competitor and then as a judge in the East Kent Fruit Society’s Orchard of the Year competition, the National Farmers’ Union Goudhurst and Paddock Wood Orchard Competition and the National Fruit Show Fruit Competition. Brian has been a stalwart of the National Fruit Show, being both a Committee member and Chairman of Judges for many years.

Since stepping back from farm management Brian has enthusiastically extended his career as an advisor. He advises growers and their staff on tree management, pruning and training. Each harvest he helps and advises growers using SmartFresh to slow down the ripening process to both extend storage life and, more importantly, fruit quality out of store. The system has had major beneficial effect on the UK apple industry and Brian has played an important part in that.

Brian, with such a record you are a worthy winner of the Fruiterers’ Craftsman’s Award, well done!”