In this week's Journal The English Apple Man publishes some of the many excellent pictures taken by Martin Apps - Countrywide Photographic of this 'brilliant day' held at Greosn MANSFIELDS Highland Court Farm
Below: Greosn CEO Matt Jarrett
Click on Groesn GROUP
Mansfields
UK's leading fruit grower, delivering a complete service in fresh produce since 1968.
Mansfields is the UK's leading fruit grower, dedicated to producing over 33,000 tonnes of premium quality fruit annually across 3,500 acres of farmland in Kent. Their diverse crop portfolio includes apples, pears, strawberries, cherries and plums, all cultivated with care and precision and processed through state of the art pack houses and storage facilities 365 days of the year.
Mansfields combines decades of horticultural expertise with a forward-thinking approach. They focus on building long-term partnerships while consistently upholding the highest standards in fruit production. It is their commitment to delivering a complete service in fresh produce that sets them apart - in addition to cultivating premium quality fruits, they also offer professional storage and packing services, 365 days a year.
Mansfields embraces innovative farming techniques and award-winning sustainable practices that extend harvest periods while minimising environmental impact.
Recognised with numerous accolades for their commitment to environmentally responsible strategies, their dedication to quality and sustainability positions Mansfields as a trusted name in British horticulture.
Now for our awards. We are delighted to announce this year's winners as follows:
For the highest sales overall of British apple, the award goes to Tesco who have sold 34,436 tonnes, just 190 tonnes more than Aldi. Congratulations to Paul and the team at Tesco.
For the highest sales of British pear, the award goes to Sainsbury's who have sold 6,012 tonnes, well ahead of their closest rival. Congratulations to Andrew and Ralph and the team at Sainsbury's.
Below: left. Ali Capper presents Paul Curtis and Hannah Davies of Tesco and Andrew and Ralph of Sainsbury with their awards
For the best early season sales (September and October 2025) of British apples, the award goes to Lidl who sold 4,313 tonnes in just two months. That is 23% of all British apples in those two months against their grocery market share of just 8.2% at that time. Outstanding!
Congratulations to Darren and the team at Lidl.
Below: left Ali Capper and Darren de Smidt LIDL and right. Ali with Emily Dench and Sam Craddock of ALDI.
Below: left. James Miller CEO Mansfields addressing the BAPL audience and right. Matt Jarret CEO Greosn group with Craig Rook Farms Manager at MANSFIELDS
Below: Claire Donovan who will take over from Ali Capper in November 2026 and right. SASSY a new apple bred in New Zealand and now grown in various parts of the world including MANSFIELDS in Kent
The New Zealand-origin Sassy apple is being grown commercially in Britain for the first time, with the UK licence holder introducing the variety to the domestic market.
"For the first time, Sassy is British-grown and exclusively grown by us!
As the UK licence holder, we're proud to bring Sassy to the British market, with its beautiful red-emerald colour, sweet-tangy flavour, award-winning quality and irresistible crunch. Originally from New Zealand, Sassy is now grown right here in Britain.
There's a new apple on the block, and Sassy is ready to make its mark.
Munckhoff New Vision Spray Technology
Below: Apple Harvester in action
Pictured left to right: Ali Capper, British Apples & Pears Limited. Hannah Davies and Paul Curtis, Tesco.
Ralph Newbold and Andrew Restall, Sainsbury's. Emily Dench and Sam Craddock, Aldi. & Darren de Smidt, Lidl.
James Simpson paid tribute to Ali Capper for the way she has transformed BAPL during her tenure as CEO and presented her with a bunch of flowers in appreciation for her outstanding service to Our Apple & Pear industry' 
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man