National Fruit Show attended by HRH The Countess of Wessex

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex attended the opening morning of the 89th National Fruit Show at the Kent County Showground on 2 November 2022.  The Countess toured the show, met industry leaders, and observed The National Fruit Show education team during a demonstration careers session with local secondary school age children.

Gullands was delighted to have a stand at the show and to sponsor the Presidents’ Reception, attended by the Countess.

Sarah Calcutt, Executive Chair of  The National Fruit Show, which is organised by Marden Fruit Show Society CIO commented “We were absolutely delighted that Her Royal Highness attended the show and spent time meeting young people, especially those who might consider a career in the sector in the future.”

“We are keen to raise the profile of the fruit growing sector here in the UK and to expand our successful careers programme. We are sharing the message that there are a range of highly skilled careers opportunities in the sector seeking talented individuals. Within horticulture there are many exciting, technology driven developments taking place and we are working to bring together fruit growers and the businesses that supply them to create a world leading, stronger and more sustainable sector for the future.”

John Roberts, Managing Partner at Gullands comments: “It was an honour to meet Her Royal Highness at this year’s show and she was very interested in the fruit sector here in Kent having grown up in the county. Fruit production is an important part of the local and national economy and it’s vital to maintain, to ensure the UK has a safe and sustainable food supply chain in the future.”