Farmer Profiles

Nigel Bardsley - Kent Cox Grower

Tesco’s Grower of the year for 2007, Nigel is the fourth generation of the Bardsley family to grow apples at River Farm in Kent.

River farm is truly farming business with 3 family members as partners in the firm.  Nigel manages the fruit production, his wife Annette manages the staff, recruiting up to 55 extra workers for harvest each year and sister-in-law Lesley manages the Packhouse.  This team won Bardsley and Sons the title of Tesco Grower of the year in 2007; an award recognising excellence and high quality standards.

The farm is in the centre of the traditional apple growing area, the orchards are on south facing slopes taking full advantage of the perfect apple growing climate of Kent.  In addition to established orchards of Cox, Gala, Bramley, Braeburn, Russet and Conference pears new varieties are being trialled, assisting their marketing company, Norman Collett Ltd, in selecting the best varieties for Tesco customers in the future.  Among the new selections are:
Cameo – now available from December through to March
Rubens – so new it wont be in store until 2010
Modi  - a new red, shiny apple that will be available by 2012