Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The 2025 National Fruit Show saw a rise in both exhibitors and visitors. Entries were up 90% year on year. The 92nd edition of the show was celebrated as a success, following the new one-day format.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at National Fruit Show 2026 include Agricare, Agrii, AgroCentre, Agrovista UK Ltd and Andermatt Biocontrol UK Ltd.
- Agricare
- Agrii
- AgroCentre
- Agrovista UK Ltd
- Andermatt Biocontrol UK Ltd
Event overview
Overview
The National Fruit Show is the UK's key meeting place for the British fruit sector, bringing together growers, suppliers, and industry specialists for a focused day of innovation and practical conversation.
The event features a renowned commercial fruit competition display, showcasing the best British top fruit and nuts.
National Fruit Show 2026 takes place in Maidstone, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 4 November 2026 at Kent Event Centre / Detling Showground, Maidstone ME14 3JF, United Kingdom.
- 2Scale and Focus: 93rd edition of the National Fruit Show, the UK's dedicated top fruit and soft fruit trade showcase covering apples, pears, stone fruit and berries, with seminars, competitions and an exhibitor hall.
- 3Organiser: Marden Fruit Show Society; registration and programme information at nationalfruitshow.org.uk.
- 4Entry / Access: Free admission, but online pre-registration is required to avoid queues; visitor and exhibitor registration forms are on the official site.
- 5Programme highlights: Seminar schedule, the James Nichols Lecture, and competitions including Heaviest Apples and Pears and Tastiest Apple.
Why visit
Attendees can network with leading exhibitors and discover the latest products and technologies in the fruit industry. Dates and Venue: The National Fruit Show 2026 takes place on November 4, 2026, at Kent Showground, Maidstone, UK. Buyer Authority: Attendees include commercial fruit growers, suppliers, buyers, and industry professionals.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among key industry players and access to a targeted audience of commercial growers and buyers. Scale and Focus: This key event for the British fruit sector showcases top fruit and nuts, featuring a renowned competition display. Buyer Authority: Attendees include commercial fruit growers, suppliers, buyers, and industry professionals.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Commercial fruit growers
Suppliers of fruit-related products
Buyers from retail and wholesale sectors
Industry professionals and researchers
Competitors in fruit competitions
Members of agricultural organizations
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Top fruit and soft fruit growers seeking varieties, rootstocks and orchard inputs
Fruit machinery and equipment manufacturers (sprayers, harvesters, graders)
Crop protection and nutrition suppliers for orchards and berry crops
Packaging, storage and controlled atmosphere technology providers
Plant nurseries and propagation specialists
Agronomy and horticultural consultancy services
Fresh produce buyers, wholesalers and multiple retailers
Research institutes and agricultural technology developers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Top fruit varieties and nuts
Fruit growing equipment
Horticultural technology and services
Packaging solutions for fruits
Agricultural machinery
Fruit marketing and distribution services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Kent Showground
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
Kent Showground in Maidstone typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Kent Showground in Maidstone typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Kent Showground for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Marden Fruit Show Society
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Edition recap
The 2025 National Fruit Show saw a rise in both exhibitors and visitors. Entries were up 90% year on year. The 92nd edition of the show was celebrated as a success, following the new one-day format.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The 2025 National Fruit Show saw a rise in both exhibitors and visitors. Entries were up 90% year on year. The 92nd edition of the show was celebrated as a success, following the new one-day format.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
The 2025 National Fruit Show saw a rise in both exhibitors and visitors. Entries were up 90% year on year. The 92nd edition of the show was celebrated as a success, following the new one-day format.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending National Fruit Show 2026 on 2026-11-04 to 2026-11-04 in Maidstone lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Fruit Growing in the UK Industry Analysis, 2026 - IBISWorld
ReadFruit News - Fruit & Vine
ReadFruit Growing in the UK - Industry Market Research Report
ReadLatest horticulture statistics - GOV.UK
ReadUK fruit and veg production rose in last year | News | Fruitnet
Read'UK horticulture is being held back': Industry demands action on labour ...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Black Horse Inn
4-star
Maidstone area, approx 1.3 km from Kent Event CentreGoogle Hotels listing showed approx EUR 105 with a 4.6 rating from about 1.7K reviews; amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, bar and restaurant.
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
4-star
Maidstone, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event CentreGoogle Hotels listing showed approx EUR 90; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre.
Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone
3-star
Maidstone, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event CentreGoogle Hotels listing showed approx EUR 54; free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast paid, smoke-free property.
Travelodge Medway M2
3-star
Medway M2 corridor, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event CentreGoogle Hotels listing showed approx EUR 43; free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast paid.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
bus
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forX33 Maidstone - Detling Showground
Bus route serving Kent Showground; schedules and fares via Moovit and busmaps.com listings.
rail + taxi/bus
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMaidstone stations to Kent Showground (Detling)
Rome2rio and the venue's visiting pages describe onward connections from Maidstone; see also Kent Event Centre visiting page.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMaidstone / Medway hotels to Kent Showground
Short transfer from nearby hotels; Google Hotels lists closest properties at 1.3-4.5 km.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Kent Showground
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Kent Showground
Weather
November in Maidstone, Kent, is late autumn and often damp. Approximate daytime highs of 10-11°C and overnight lows of 4-5°C; rain is frequent. Confirm the short-range forecast before travel and bring a waterproof layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation.
Currency
The local currency is the British pound sterling (GBP). Card payment is widely accepted in Maidstone; currency exchange is available in The Mall shopping centre.
Language
English is the main language. Business meetings and show materials are typically in English.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is customary if a service charge is not already included.
Local area
Kent is known as the Garden of England for its fruit growing; Maidstone is the county town and the showground is at Detling, just north of Maidstone.
Transport
Driving is on the left. Bus route X33 connects Maidstone with Detling Showground; taxis and ride-hailing are also available.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Maidstone; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Most international visitors attending the National Fruit Show on business travel under the UK Standard Visitor route; check GOV.UK "Visit the UK on a business trip" and "Visit on business" pages for permitted activities.
UK visa requirements vary by nationality; the GOV.UK Standard Visitor route and the Home Office UK Visa Requirements (August 2026) PDF are the authoritative sources. Confirm your own nationality's requirements before booking travel.
OfficialHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-11-04
Check-out (recommended)
2026-11-05
Areas to stay
Maidstone area, approx 1.3 km from Kent Event Centre · Maidstone, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event Centre · Medway M2 corridor, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event Centre
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Maidstone; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kent Showground: Maidstone area, approx 1.3 km from Kent Event Centre: The Black Horse Inn; Maidstone, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event Centre: Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel; Maidstone, approx 4.5 km from Kent Event Centre: Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Maidstone; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Bus route X33 runs between Maidstone and Detling Showground (Kent Showground stop). Moovit lists the Kent County Showground and Detling Showground stops with routes, schedules and fares. Rail access to the area is via Maidstone stations, then onward bus or taxi.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Kent Showground; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 4-11°C (daytime highs around 10-11°C, overnight lows around 4-5°C). Confirm forecast before travel.
Seasonality: November is typically one of the wetter months in Kent; expect frequent light rain, overcast skies and short daylight hours. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are advisable.
Packing: November 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at National Fruit Show 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2National Fruit Show 2026 registration concourse
Kent Showground
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Kent Showground
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether National Fruit Show 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Glossary
- Top fruit
- Tree fruit crops such as apples, pears, plums and cherries, as opposed to soft fruit.
- Soft fruit
- Berries and other non-tree fruit, for example strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and blueberries.
- Dessert apple
- An apple variety bred for eating fresh, as distinct from culinary or cider apples.
- Cider apple
- Apple varieties with high tannin and acidity, grown specifically for cider making.
- Rootstock
- The root system a fruit tree is grafted onto, which controls tree size, vigour and disease resistance.
- Integrated pest management (IPM)
- Sustainable crop protection combining biological, cultural and chemical controls to minimise pesticide use.
- Hail netting
- Protective netting installed over orchards to prevent hail damage to fruit.
- Controlled atmosphere storage
- Post-harvest storage technique that lowers oxygen and raises carbon dioxide to extend fruit shelf life.
- Marden Fruit Show Society
- The charitable society that organises the National Fruit Show.
- Kent Event Centre / Detling Showground
- The Maidstone venue and showground in Detling (ME14 3JF) used by the National Fruit Show, also home to the Kent County Show.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- National Fruit Show
- UK fruit industry event
- National Fruit Show 2026
- National Fruit Show 2026 Maidstone
- National Fruit Show 2026 Maidstone 2026
- National Fruit Show Maidstone
- National Fruit Show Maidstone 2026
- Maidstone United Kingdom
- Agriculture & Horticulture Maidstone 2026
- Fruit Industry
8 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.