Frank P Matthews Trees Celebrates Double Industry Success with Technology Award and RHS Gold Medal Apple Display

Fourth-generation family tree nursery Frank P Matthews, based in Worcestershire, is celebrating double industry success after receiving two prestigious accolades, highlighting both its commitment to modern innovation and its deep horticultural expertise.

At the HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026 held at London’s Barbican Centre, the nursery was named winner of the Best Use of Technology award. In the same week, the company’s spectacular fruit exhibit at the Malvern Autumn Show earned a RHS Gold Medal, showcasing around 350 different apple varieties alongside pears, quinces, crab apples, rowan, and thorn berries.

Left comedian and broadcaster Ed Byrne presenting Managing Director Charles James from Frank P Matthews.

The dual success reflects the unique balance of traditional craftsmanship and forward-thinking innovation that has defined Frank P Matthews throughout its 125-year history.

At the HTA Grower of the Year Awards, judges praised the company for its purposeful adoption of technology across propagation, production, logistics, customer service, and environmental management. Rather than implementing tech for its own sake, Frank P Matthews demonstrated how digital tools addressed clear business needs while delivering measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and staff engagement.

Meanwhile, the RHS Gold Medal-winning exhibit at the Malvern Autumn Show proved to be a major highlight, celebrating the remarkable diversity of UK-grown fruit. Featuring heritage favourites, modern introductions, and specialist varieties, the display was the result of months of cross-departmental effort across growing, picking, and presentation.

Charles James, Managing Director of Frank P Matthews, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Best Use of Technology Award at the HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team, who continually look for new ways to improve how we grow and deliver our trees.

“To receive this award alongside a RHS Gold Medal at the Malvern Autumn Show makes the achievement even more special. Together, they demonstrate our commitment to embracing modern innovation while preserving the horticultural craftsmanship that has been at the heart of our business for 125 years.”

Highlights from the HTA Grower Awards: The HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026 were held on 24 September 2026 at the Garden Room, Barbican Centre, London. The awards dinner followed the HTA’s annual conference, Horticulture, The Conference, and was hosted by comedian and broadcaster Ed Byrne.

A total of 12 awards were presented across multiple categories recognising innovation and best practice in UK horticulture.

Frank P Matthews Limited won the Best Use of Technology Award.

Allensmore Nurseries Ltd was named Overall Grower of the Year.

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Highlights from the Malvern Autumn Show: The show held at the Three Counties Showground includes a wide range of awards, with the most prominent horticultural awards being the RHS Flower Show medals presented in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village. Click here to see the full list of winners.

The CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship 2026 was also held at the Malvern Autumn Show, where several growers claimed top honours and set new Guinness World Records. Click here to see the pictures of the giants!