National Fruit Show 2025 sees rise in exhibitors and visitors
12th November 2025
The 92nd edition of the National Fruit Show has marked a strong revival with a surge in exhibitors, competition entries and visitor numbers.
The organisers of the National Fruit Show said that the event has once again proved its strength as one of the leading events for the British fruit industry, with the 92nd show, held on Wednesday 5th November at the Kent Showground.
Since moving to the one-day format, the show has blossomed, attracting more exhibitors made up of long-standing supporters of the show, returning names and new businesses joining for the first time, the hosts added.
Ticket registrations also indicated a rise in visitor numbers (up 33 percent on 2024), reinforcing the event’s importance as the key annual meeting place for growers, suppliers, and fruit industry professionals.
The top fruit classes were up 90 percent on 2024 and 15 percent on 2023. The nut classes recorded their best turnout since 2022, and both the new Harlequin and returning Tastiest Apple classes were enthusiastically supported.
‘Vital role in bringing the industry together’
Show manager Eileen Haffenden said: “This year’s show has been a real celebration of collaboration and commitment within the fruit sector. It’s been fantastic to see so many previous exhibitors returning to the show, as well as welcoming many new faces to the lineup.
“I’d like to thank all our sponsors, in particular our major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, whose ongoing support enables us to deliver such a strong event for the industry.”
Nigel Bardsley, chairman of the Marden Fruit Show Society, which organises the event, added: “The National Fruit Show continues to play a vital role in bringing the industry together. We’ve seen a clear increase in visitor engagement this year, showing the value of creating a space where growers and suppliers can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the quality of British fruit production.
Opening the 92nd National Fruit Show, Judith Batchelar OBE highlighted the vital role horticulture plays in the UK’s food system, encouraging growers to view change as progress and celebrate the innovation within their sector.
“Today we are here to celebrate great British growers and the contribution that you all make to the health of the nation,” she said. “We have a sector that has lots to offer today and in the future.
“Not only do we have growth opportunities from driving consumption of fruit and vegetables and reducing imports, but we also have the ability to use the data and digital technologies at our fingertips to do that in a way that drives efficiencies, cost-effectiveness and overall productivity, whilst delivering produce that is better for people and better for the planet.”
The 93rd National Fruit Show will return to the Kent Showground on Wednesday 4th November, 2026.
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