Rubens apples and juices were among the sweet sensations at the National Fruit Show.

The Rubens was named British Tastiest Apple for the third time, while Arena Gold’s Jonagold and Bramley blend won best fruit juice category.

First and second places in the apple category went to Rubens’ growers David Budd, from Hawkhurst, and Nigel Bardsley respectively.

David and Richard Budd have rented Sheephurst Farm at Marden for the past 18 months where 11,000 Rubens trees were planted in 2007 and 2008.

Mr Bardsley, MKG chairman, played a key role in bringing Ruben Apples to the UK after tasting them during a visit to Italy. He won first prize in 2011. Andy Sadler, managing director of Norman Collett, the fruit marketing company based in Paddock Wood, promotes and distributes the apples. He said: “We are thrilled to have regained the tastiest apple in a year when the quality across the board was outstanding.”

Meanwhile, the award-winning Arena juices only use apples and blackcurrants grown on the family farm run by Peter and Michael Reeves, and sister-in-law Veronika.

Arena Pursuits, based near Lamberhurst and owned by Peter Reeves, operates alongside the fruit growing, vineyards and juicing business, providing corporate team-building and family events.

He said: “This year’s results show that time and effort put into growing some excellent fruit, picking for maximum flavour and pressing at the right time pays dividends.”