Right to the Core
As a third generation fruit farmer, John Brown knows the fruit industry and market well, so when inclement weather affected the production yields of his crops, he knew he had to diversify to survive. Not wanting to move away from fruit growing he thought about how he could best use his crops and so in 2000, Core Fruit Products was born.
Instead of just trying to sell all their produce as quality grown fruit, John and wife Wendy, managed to get a grant from the Rural Enterprise Scheme funded by DEFRA to purchase their our own press, bottling and labelling equipment and have continued to grow from there. Now Core produce a wide range of quality fruit juices including apple, pear, apple and blackcurrant, spiced apple and apple & ginger, which are available in 1 litre or 25cl bottles. The bottles are clearly marked with a distinctive white label and the name Core, which of course could be ‘core of the apple’ or in fact ‘core - what a flavour!’ Core Fruit Products are located at Upper Mystole Park Farm, which is in the Parish of Chartham, some five miles from the centre of Canterbury . Although the ground is chalky and the orchards exposed to the elements, the company believes this enhances the fruit’s flavour. As well as many apple varieties the farm has over the years planted a number of new varieties of apples and plums, expanded their holding of blueberries and also introduced cherries.
Testament to the company’s success over the past four or five years has been proven by the number of awards Core Fruit Products have won. In 2004, the Guild Award for fine food retailers gave a gold award to Core for its Cox Bramley Juice, Silver for its pear and bronze for its russet. This was followed by the Best Non-Alcoholic Product in Kent from Kent Life and the Produced in Kent organisation; this award has now been won by Core three years running. During the initial stages customers have to vote for their favourites followed by the judges tasting.
This year Core have introduced Hard Core Cider, which will be available to purchase at some of the farmers markets, where Core regularly attend as well as bars, restaurants and farmshops, which already carry an alcohol license. Branching out even further, Core is also keen to promote its range of tasty jams and chutneys, already available is its Victoria Plum, Strawberry and blackcurrant jams, which can be purchased at all of the farmers markets and some of its other retail outlets.
Core Fruit Products have been regular stall holders at most of the Essex Farmers Markets since their inception and firmly believe that this is one of the best ways they can reach a wider audience. The farm is located in quite an isolated position, which means it is difficult for the public to get to them but the farmers markets have proven extremely successful for the company, which now participates at most of the Essex Farmers Market sites. As a family run company, John, Wendy and son Thomas, have a firm grip on the business but rely heavily of their team of dedicated staff including three full time members, various part time staff and essential casual staff at various other times of the year. The company also has sound working relationships with other farmers and producers in the area, which ensure the company’s products are always served at their very best.
Core Fruit Products
