Fruit & Vine

Fruit Focus 2024
2024-07-10 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Fruit Focus returns to NIAB at East Malling Research Centre, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, on 10 July 2024 from 9am-5pm.
Fruit & Vine magazine will be exhibiting at the event.
Pre-registration for Fruit Focus is free of charge. Onsite registration is £10 at the gate on 10 July 2024.
Pre-register free of charge and enjoy full event benefits including the NFU Fruit Forum, NIAB Research Tours, exhibitor-led seminars, a wide range of exhibitors as well as live working demonstrations.

The NFU Fruit Forum provide an opportunity to discuss and debate key issues, challenges and developments within the fruit industry.
Take a guided tour of NIAB’s latest fruit research facilities with the industry’s leading experts, from new varieties to pest control and water efficiency.
Several Fruit Focus 2024 exhibitors will be displaying and demonstrating autonomous equipment and robotics for fruit growers.

Read more information on the Fruit Focus website

Four Oaks Tradeshow 2024
2024-09-03 - 2024-09-04
Four Oaks Trade Show is the UK’s leading international exhibition for the whole of commercial horticulture. From production to point-of-sale, the breadth of exhibits on display is the show’s strength, attracting a broad visitor base. The event takes place on a 23-acre nursery site in Cheshire UK, close to the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, covering an area of 13,000m² under glass with additional outdoor areas.
Massive displays of plant material form the heart of the show, with young plant producers using the platform to launch the next season’s lines. Mature stock and specimen plants from across Europe create magnificent showcase displays. Machinery, growing media, sundries, retail products, Christmas trees and merchandise, services and practically everything the sector can use or re-sell is found on the aisles at Four Oaks. More than 35% of participating companies are from overseas.
The visitor profile includes buyers from grower retailers, independent garden centres, garden centre chains, commercial growers, multiple retailers, wholesalers, mail order, online retailers, landscapers, landscape architects, garden designers, professional gardeners, groundsmen, farm shops, local authorities and florists.
Register now

GroundsFest 2024
2024-09-10 - 2024-09-11
GroundsFest is the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers & architects, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.
The event combines indoor business and education opportunities with outdoor demonstrations. After an action-packed day at GroundsFest unwind and continue networking at the unique live music festival.
Profits from GroundsFest are reinvested back into the industry to support education.
Register now

National Fruit Show
2024-11-06
The 91st National Fruit Show will be on 6th November 2024 at the Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF.
After feedback from 2023, this year’s show will be a one day format located in the Maidstone Exhibition Hall.
Visit the website for more information

Farm Business Innovation Show
2024-11-06 09:00 - 2024-11-07 16:00
The Farm Business Innovation Show will take place on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th November 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham.
It is the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to diversification. Over two days, farmers and landowners will find the inspiration and support needed to diversify and optimise their land.
You’ll meet a range of exhibitors ready to discuss income-generating opportunities beyond traditional farming, such as agritourism, renewable energy, direct sales, and more.
Take advantage of insightful seminars, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, designed to equip you with practical advice and solutions. Topics include business diversification, succession planning and effective social media promotion.
This year, the Farm Business Innovation Show will be co-located with the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show.
Opening times:
6th November 9am – 5pm
7th November 9am – 4pm.
Visit the event website for more information and to book tickets.

Midlands Machinery Show
2024-11-20 08:00 - 2024-11-21 16:00
The Midlands Machinery Show is taking place on Wednesday 20th – Thursday 21st November at The Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire,
NG24 2NY, from 8am – 4pm.
One of the largest agricultural machinery shows in the UK, The Midlands Machinery Show is the ideal platform for agricultural businesses to showcase a diverse range of new products, services, machinery, industry innovations and the latest technology to farmers, machinery operators and farm contractors in agriculture.
For more information about the showground visit their website here

Oxford Farming Conference
2025-01-08 - 2025-01-10
The Oxford Farming Conference will take place on Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th January 2025.
OFC25 will explore how current and future farming policies provide new opportunities for farmers; how we can adapt, with the help of science and new practices, to the changing natural world we farm in; and how change and adversity can produce inspiring innovators and leaders who can transform people, farming and food production.
The event will take place both online and in-person.
Visit the website for more information

Oxford Real Farming Conference
2025-01-09 - 2025-01-10
The Oxford Real Farming Conference is taking place on Tuesday 9th – Wednesday 10th January 2025 both online and in-person at Oxford Town Hall, St. Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.
An alternative farming conference
Working with partners in the UK and internationally, the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) brings the real food and farming movement together every January.
ORFC attracts farmers, growers, activists, policymakers and researchers from around the world who are interested in transforming our food system.
Visit the organiser’s website for more information and to book tickets

LAMMA 2025
2025-01-15 - 2025-01-16
The LAMMA Show returns on Wednesday, 15 January, 2025, from 8.30am-5.00pm and Thursday, 16 January, 2025, from 8.30am-4.30pm at the NEC, Birmingham.
LAMMA is the UK’s  premier  farm machinery show which connects farmers across a range of sectors with pioneering companies offering cutting-edge agricultural machinery, technology and equipment.
Explore the dynamic showcase featuring more than 600 exhibitors unveiling the latest innovations in tractors, combines, arable and grassland machinery and embrace the opportunity to look at a wide range of new technology, services and tools tailored to all sectors of agriculture.
Witness exclusive machinery launches, UK debuts and a collective display of both global brands and niche manufacturers, all under one roof.
Gather your team and attend LAMMA 2025 to embrace opportunities to network, do business, conduct market research and enrich knowledge with the insights from experts.
Visit the website for more information

65th Doe Show
2025-02-04 - 2025-02-06
The 65th annual Ernest Doe Show will take place on 4-6th February 2025 at Ulting, Maldon, CM9 6QH.
With over 150 trade stands, don’t miss the UK’s largest agricultural, construction and groundcare dealer show.
Come and see the latest machinery and innovation available on the market, plus:

Fruit & viticulture machinery
New specialist vegetable machinery
Meet the manufacturers
Working demonstrations
Clothing and footwear sale and much more.

Visit the Ernest Doe website for more information
#doeshow2025

BAPL and Niab Apple and Pear Technical Day
2025-02-10 09:45 - 16:15
British Apples and Pears Ltd and Niab are hosting this apple and pear R&D technical day on Monday 10th February 2025 to share some of the most important findings from BAPL-funded and other research projects.
The event will take place at The Mumford Building at Niab’s East Malling research site (New Road, East Malling, ME19 6BJ).

FPC technical meeting
2025-02-25 | Online
FPC technical meeting – quarter 1.
This on-line event features speakers from HSE regarding pesticide regulation plus other guests.
Topics include food safety, regulation, import / export, plant health and other key issues affecting the fresh produce and cut flower sectors.

Please contact nicola@freshproduce.org.uk for an invitation. Previous attendees will automatically receive an invitation link.

Welsh wine showcase
2025-03-03 11:00 - 17:00 | 67 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES, United Kingdom
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 In honour of Wales Week / London, the Welsh Vineyards Association is holding a special trade showcase event on the 3rd March at 67 Pall Mall, London from 11am to 5pm.
You can register by emailing lauren.smith@levercliff.co.uk

WineGB pruning competition
2025-03-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Clayhill Vineyard, Lower Burnham Rd, Latchingdon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6HF
Get ready for the ultimate test of pruning skill at the WineGB pruning competition on 7th March 2025 at Clayhill Vineyard, Essex!

Sharpen your tools and put your pruning techniques to the test as you compete for the prestigious Golden Secateurs Trophy and the coveted title of Vine Pruner of the Year. Whether you’re entering solo or as part of a team, this is your chance to showcase your speed, precision, and expertise.
This year’s event is being coordinated by James Dodson (VineWorks) and Luke Wolfe (Agro-Pro Ltd), both members of the WineGB Viticultural Committee. A big thank you to Clayhill Vineyard for hosting this exciting celebration of vineyard craftsmanship.
Don’t miss out – entries close on 1st March!
Sign up now on the WineGB website: https://lnkd.in/etHtfpUB
Event details:
📅 Date: 7th March 2025, 10am – 3pm
📍 Location: Clayhill Vineyard, Essex
💷 Entry fees apply
Tag your pruning partners in the comments and let’s see who comes out on top!

Wines of East Anglia
2025-03-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Spencer House, 27 St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NR
🍷 The wines of East Anglia tasting is taking place on 19 March from 1pm to 4pm at Spencer House in London.
Sample wines from WineGB members including Burn Valley Vineyard, Burnt House Vineyard, Chet Valley Vineyard, Toppesfield Vineyard, Walsingham Estate Vineyard and Winbirri Vineyards.
RSVP to ashley@palatecomms.co.uk

Bath & West Food & Drink Festival 2025
2025-03-22 - 2025-03-23
The British Cheese Awards will be front and centre of the Food & Drink Festival, taking place in our main hall with visitors being able to view and taste some of the award-winning cheeses! Delicious food & drink stands will surround the British Cheese Awards, giving you the opportunity to peruse and enjoy a huge range for mouth-watering food & drink from the Southwest of England.
You will also find a bierkeller-style area, providing a flavoursome celebration of Beer. Our Main Stage will host an abundance of delicious talks from experts in the food & drink industry, featuring some tasty food & drink pairings.
With all of this PLUS a designated Kids Zone, there will be so much going on that you won’t want to miss our weekend full of fun, food and drink!
For more event information click here.

Dunesforde Vineyard Food and Wine Fair
2025-04-05 12:00 - 18:00 | Dunesforde Vineyard, Howe Field Road, Upper Dunsforth, YO26 9RU, United Kingdom
Dunesforde Vineyard, Howe Field Road, Upper Dunsforth YO26 9RU
Saturday 5th April 2025
12pm to 6pm
Free entry
Dog and family friendly
Dunesforde Vineyard are looking forward to welcoming you to its Food and Wine Fair. It has selected the very best local artisan food businesses to showcase their wonderful products.
Come and browse the stalls on offer and taste delicious food. Of course, there will be plenty of fabulous wine to sample too. Plus, Dunesforde Vineyard will be hosting free short talks throughout the afternoon where you will learn about the vineyard and food and wine matching too. It sounds like foodie heaven!
See below for the programme of the day and details of the stalls.

Food & Drink Expo 2025
2025-04-07 - 2025-04-09 | NEC Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
NEC Food and Drink Expo
The UK’s leading food and drink event provides you with business inspiration and industry insights from across the UK and around the world.
Food & Drink Expo will run alongside Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions as part of the award-winning UK Food & Drink Shows. From 2025, the shows will also include an enhanced focus on the foodservice and hospitality sectors, showcasing everything in one place from food, drink, packaging, technology and the latest equipment.
Offering over 1,500 innovative exhibitors from the worlds of grocery, specialist retail, wholesale, foodservice and hospitality, alongside a compelling programme of content set across multiple stages, you can’t afford to miss FDE2025. Catch up with existing suppliers, source new products and ideas and be part of this buzzing event for your industry.
Visit the event website for more information.

FPC sustainability meeting
2025-04-22 | Online
FPC sustainability meeting – quarter 2.
Members are welcome to join this online quarterly meeting to discuss topics including net zero, climate impact, eco-labelling, ethical trading and water resilience.

Please contact nicola@freshproduce.org.uk for an invitation. Previous attendees will automatically receive an invitation link.

Plant empowerment workshop
2025-05-06 - 2025-05-07 | Anglian Ruskin University (Chelmsford), Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ
Join the two-day Plant Empowerment workshop at Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is to host an exclusive workshop aimed at anyone involved in indoor crop production, focusing on increasing yields while cutting resource use.
Taking place at ARU’s Chelmsford campus it will be the first time that Netherlands-based Plant Empowerment have run a workshop in the UK. Plant Empowerment is renowned for its data-driven approach to optimising plant growth by maintaining natural balances. Its philosophy focuses on enhancing crop resilience, increasing yields and ensuring efficient use of water, energy and nutrients.
This event offers British growers and researchers exclusive access to its innovative practices and sustainable agricultural expertise. The two-day event will feature practical demonstrations and expert insights aimed at growers, industry leaders, innovators, and academics.
Topics that will be covered during the workshop include:
Exploring the Rootzone: Understanding its critical role in crop health
Light and Irrigation: Managing resources for maximum growth efficiency
A Fresh Approach to Pest and Disease Management
Reducing crop risks through innovation
Optimal Pollination Strategies: Tailored techniques for both summer and winter conditions

If you have questions about the workshop registration or logistics, email Dr. Kami Baghalian: kambiz.baghalian@aru.ac.uk
The workshop is free for academics, places cost £150 for industry participants. Places are limited – only 70 spots available.
Last booking date: 24th April 2025
For more information and to book your place, visit the website.

NATIONAL CHEESE DAY
2025-06-04
Moooove over whiners! June 4th is National Cheese Day! An encyclopedia of cheese will cover the alphabet and broaden your vocabulary. It will undoubtedly contain more varieties of cheese than what’s found at the local grocer.
#NationalCheeseDay
Cheese is produced from the pressed curds of milk. The milk can come from cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. Temperature and aging affect the flavor and texture of the cheese, as well as spices and other seasonings added during the process.
The opportunity to go to a cheese tasting or visit a cheesemonger who is knowledgeable about pairings will improve your enjoyment of the cheese you choose. Does Stilton melt? Can you serve Chévre with a salad? Be sure to ask questions and provide your preferences. Your favorite wine might find a new sidekick. You might discover a smokey spread to go with bruschetta or a tangy cheddar to pack with lunch.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESE DAY
The opportunity to go to a cheese tasting or visit a cheesemonger who is knowledgeable about pairings will improve your enjoyment of the cheese you choose. Does Stilton melt? Can you serve Chévre with a salad? Be sure to ask questions and provide your preferences. Your favorite wine might find a new sidekick. You might discover a smokey spread to go with bruschetta or a tangy cheddar to pack with lunch.

Festival of Fresh
2025-06-05
The UK’s best fresh produce event returns this year. Festival of Fresh will take place on 5th June in the vegetable-growing heartland of Spalding, Lincolnshire just across the road from our partnering hosts – Worldwide Fruit, who will host tours of its cutting-edge facility.
Only a limited number of companies have the opportunity to raise their profile by showcasing their products and services to delegates at Festival of Fresh. To receive all event updates, programme highlights, and early access to registration, sign-up today or email festivaloffresh@fruitnet.com for more details.

Fruit & Vine Issue 15 Dispatched
2025-06-13
Fruit & Vine is a bimonthly magazine for the booming industry, supporting British growers and producers of the best fruits, juices and wines.

English Wine Week
2025-06-21 - 2025-06-29
English wine week 2025 is a chance for all new and experienced wine lovers to exhibit, taste and join in on the many events across the UK.
Visit the official website for details of events near you.

Norfolk Wine & Cheese Experience
2025-06-25 - 2025-06-26 | Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR5 0TT, United Kingdom
ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2025 – Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association announces Norfolk Wine and Cheese Experience.
Norfolk Wine & Cheese Experience welcomes Adnams Food and Drink Experience area at the Royal Norfolk Show, where you’ll sip, savour, and discover! Delight in a handpicked selection of exceptional wines and mouth-watering cheeses crafted by ten of Norfolk’s finest producers.
As you indulge selected representatives will take you on a journey through the rich history and fascinating stories behind some of the region’s most beloved wines and cheeses.
“I am thrilled to be supporting the Norfolk Wine and Cheese Experience at the Royal Norfolk Show, which is a great opportunity to showcase the tremendous wines and stunning cheeses which are being produced in our county. I believe passionately that we need to shout more loudly about the amazing food and drink which is made in Norfolk, and placing the county’s wine and cheese centre-stage at Norfolk’s biggest event is an excellent way of doing just that.” – Andy Newman, Newman Associates PR
Mark Nicholas, RNAA Managing Director said ‘the Show will provide a unique focus on local food and drinkand those who produce our food, as well as celebrate the best of Norfolk and the many organisations and businesses which contribute so much to our county. Norfolk is rightly proud of its produce and we look forward to showcasing some of the region’s best producers over 25-26 June 2025’.
For more details about how to book your place at one of the tutored wine and cheese tasting sessions being held at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show visit:
https://royalnorfolkshow.co.uk/norfolk-wine-and-cheese-experience/

Fizz Fest 2025
2025-06-29 12:00 - 16:30 | Raimes Wine Barn, Hinton Ampner, Nr Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JY, United Kingdom
Join the Hampshire wine fun at Fizz Fest 2025!
Get ready to raise a glass at the highly anticipated Fizz Fest 2025, the Vineyards of Hampshire (VoH) flagship event!
Now in its eleventh year, Fizz Fest will be held at the stunning Raimes Wine Barn and Vineyard in Hinton Ampner, Hampshire.
What to Expect:
This year, food & drink expert and broadcaster, Andy Clarke will open the festival and will also host an exclusive cocktail masterclass during the afternoon.

Fizz Fest is a must-attend event for sparkling wine lovers, offering a chance to sample over 20 premium sparkling and still wines from eight premier Hampshire vineyards.
Event Format
From 12:00 – 3.30pm
Enjoy an afternoon of tastings in the spacious marquee, set against the backdrop of Raimes’ new wine barn, with views of the vineyard.
Sample Raimes’ signature English Sparkling alongside selections from Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, and Louis Pommery England.
From 3:30 – 4:30pm
Allow further time to enjoy a glass of wine from the bar, listen to the music, have something to eat and shop for your favourite wines to take home.
Pair your wine with the delicious offerings from local street food vendors.

Discover more about these exceptional wines while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Fizz Fest will also be part of English Wine Week (21st – 29th June), making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate the best of Hampshire’s wine scene!

Fruit Focus 2025
2025-07-09 09:00 - 17:00
Fruit Focus returns to NIAB at East Malling Research Centre, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, on Wednesday 9 July 2025 from 9am-5pm.
Fruit Focus serves the informational and networking needs of the UK fruit growing industry.
The team is dedicated to providing a one-stop shop where you can visit with leading fruit-focused product & service providers, network with industry colleagues and friends, earn BASIS & NRoSO points and learn & connect in the NFU Fruit Forum.
Read more information on the Fruit Focus website

National Blackcurrant Day
2025-07-15
Time for an event dedicated entirely to celebrating the tiny yet mighty blackcurrant. This special day celebrates the health benefits of these small berries that pack a powerful nutritional punch.
It’s easy to identify blackcurrants. Indeed, people can’t help but spot them for their deep purple hue. So let’s celebrate — it’s the best time to indulge in these flavorful fruits and learn more about their nutritional prowess.

National Cherry Day
2025-07-16
National Cherry Day is celebrated on July 16, making it the perfect summertime celebration. Cherries range from sweet to tart, they come in shades ranging from red to yellow, and you can create a wide variety of dishes, desserts, and drinks with them.
#NationalCherryDay
#CherryDay

Fruit & Vine Issue 16 Dispatched
2025-08-29
