New dedicated stage reflects growing UK wine market at Fruit Focus

With the UK wine market rapidly growing its stature on the global scene, Fruit Focus will be exploring cutting-edge robotics, climate change and carbon in viticulture with a new dedicated stage as the prestigious event celebrates its 40^th anniversary.

The new Vines and Viticulture Stage reflects the increasing importance of viticulture within UK horticulture, as more fruit businesses, landowners and specialist producers look to develop vineyard enterprises and respond to the growing demand for English and Welsh wine.

The dedicated stage will provide a focused forum for technical insight, practical advice and industry discussion, covering the key agronomic, commercial and production issues facing vineyard businesses.

Fruit Focus takes place on Wednesday, July 8 at Bradbourne House in East Malling, Kent, and, alongside a new venue, has a renewed format, expanded technical programme and a broader focus on the needs of both the fruit and vine sectors.

The all new Vines & Viticulture Stage will explore a range of topics and feature speeches and presentations from leading figures in the viticulture sector.

Chief executive of Wine GB, Nicola Bates, will open the stage with a keynote address exploring the state of the current UK wine market and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

Further sessions will cover managing vineyard soils, how to mitigate climate change, expert agronomy advice on combatting pests, disease and weeds and the latest technology will also be explored.

The stage will form part of a significantly expanded seminar programme at Fruit Focus 2026, which will also include the NFU Fruit Forum, agronomy sessions, post-harvest content covering picking, packing and packaging, and Niab research updates.

Event organisers say the addition of a dedicated viticulture stage is a clear sign of Fruit Focus’s ambition to represent the full breadth of the modern fruit and vine industries.

Chief executive of Wine GB, Nicola Bates, said: “Viticulture is now a major part of the UK horticultural landscape, and Fruit Focus 2026 will give vineyard businesses a dedicated space to access technical knowledge, meet suppliers and discuss the issues shaping the future of the sector.

“The Vines and Viticulture Stage has been developed to provide practical, relevant content for both established vineyard operators and those looking to understand the opportunities within this dynamic and fast-developing industry.

“As Fruit Focus marks its 40th anniversary, the event is not only celebrating its history but evolving to reflect where the sector is heading. The addition of English and Welsh wines to this stage is an important part of that renewed vision.”

Fruit Focus has long been recognised as the UK’s leading technical event for the fruit industry, offering visitors the chance to meet suppliers, discover new technologies, network with colleagues and hear from leading experts.

For 2026, the event moves to the prestigious new setting of Bradbourne House on the East Malling Trust Estate. The relocation increases the event footprint, supports a broader exhibitor base and creates space for new seminar stages, networking events and live demonstrations.

The wider event will also showcase autonomous equipment and robotics, practical solutions for labour and productivity challenges, and the latest research and innovation from Niab and other technical partners.

Niab will continue its long-standing involvement with Fruit Focus through a refreshed programme of technical sessions and stand-based talks, replacing the traditional facility tours with more accessible research updates covering precision management, sustainable pest control and new production technologies.

More than 1,500 visitors and 150 exhibitors are expected to attend Fruit Focus 2026, which will run from 8am to 5pm. For more information, to view the agenda or to register for tickets, visit www.fruitfocusevent.co.uk