THE growing competition from the Far East and the need to overhaul fruit storage in the UK were among the topics discussed during a showcase of British produce.

The National Fruit Show, organised by The Marden Fruit Show Society, provided the opportunity to meet the growers responsible for the rich variety of British fruit.

The event at the Kent County Showground, Detling, near Maidstone, offered advice for the amateur grower as well as free tasters and sales of fruit, juice and cider. Prizes and trophies were presented for apple and pear exhibits, as well as the soft fruit categories.

Show chairman Robert Mitchell, said there was a wonderful range of varieties on show.

He said: "Soft fruit grower competition entries can be difficult depending on the season but this year we had the highest number since we introduced soft fruit eight years ago.

"We want to see all sectors thriving and get the right produce under the nose of the appreciative customer. It’s not about price - it’s about having a quality product in the right place at the right time."

Speaking at a press conference before the start of the event, produce delegates from around the country questioned the rising competition from China and its potential threat to the UK market.

But Tesco senior buying manager, Martin de la Fuente, said it was unlikely to pose a problem for UK growers for a number of years.

He added: "Everyone in this country has very high standards which are set by customers who are deeply concerned by what they put into themselves, such as pesticides.

"We have to be certain that the produce coming in from abroad meets our high standards - currently there’s nothing coming out of China of which the quality or rigidity can be guaranteed. It is also hugely expensive to bring it half way round the world."

Show spokesman Ray Vale said the fruit storage facilities in areas of the UK were as much as 40 or 50-years-old.

He said: "If you want to make money from selling apples and pears throughout the year you need the right soil and the right storage."