Loddington Farm Ltd is a fifth generation fruit-growing business in the heart of the Garden of England. The business comprises two farms: Loddington Farm, on the Greensand Ridge near Maidstone – bought from the Cornwallis Estate by Frederick Smith in 1882 – and West Pikefish Farm, at Laddingford, in the Weald of Kent.
James is following in the footsteps of Frederick, Cuthbert, Gordon and Alan Smith. After a degree in crop science from Reading University, work on local farms and a spell travelling the world for fruit importers, Mac Multiples, he returned to the farm in 2002. His role as managing director involves everything from planning the long-term business strategy of Loddington Farm and representing the fruit industry locally and nationally, to mending tractors. He is also closely involved with Avalon Produce, the marketing and growing group.
Production Manager
Paul oversees day-to-day operations on both farms, including managing staff and co-ordinating spraying, pruning, thinning and picking. He returned to the family business in 2008 after working for the local authority, within the departments of public rights of way and urban regeneration. A first class degree in environmental chemistry has stood him in good stead, dealing with the ever-changing advances in horticulture and the alchemy of food production – a challenge he relishes.
Kerry helps to keep everyone on track, from the relative safety of the farm office. Having always been interested in farming, Kerry’s first job was in a milking parlour at the age of 14 before moving into a role in livestock marketing. She has worked at Loddington Farm since 2008, dealing with payroll, book keeping and all the admin involved in running a busy fruit farm.
LODDINGTON FARM LTD
Welcome to Loddington Farm in Maidstone, Kent
Welcome to Loddington Farm Ltd where the Smith Family have been growing fruit for five generations and now grow apples, pears, cherries and apricots. We supply the UK supermarkets, wholesale markets and local shops with fresh fruit and pasteurised juices for twelve months of the year. Our team of 6 full time staff oversee the production of 75 hectares of orchards on four sites in some of the most beautiful countryside in Kent. Our orchards are home to a whole host of wildlife and we actively farm in a way that helps ensure our farms are a network of habitat for birds, animals, insects, trees and plants. While you’re here, why not have a look at our other pages or look through the gallery of photos where you will see examples of our farm throughout the year and what we do.
. You will often find our products in Tescos, Morrisons, ASDA and The Co-Op. We also supply the London wholesale markets. During harvest we have around 55 people working six days a week to get the fruit picked and put away in our state of the art cold stores or off to market. Early varieties like discovery are ready half way through August whereas we can often be out picking Braeburn into November. Our main variety of apple is Gala. The cherries start with Merchant in July and finish with Sweethart some six weeks later. Our apricots, which are a new venture for us, are ready to start harvesting at the end of August . They have a great flavour and have been well received by supermarkets, members of the public and friends and family alike.
Situated on the Greensand ridge just south of Maidstone in Kent, Loddington Farm is home not only to our top fruit business but also: Blooming Green:
