Industry flocks to UK stand at Fruit Logistica

Potato Council, Horticultural Development Company (HDC) and the Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA) returned in force to the Fruit Logistica to build their promotion of seed potatoes from Britain and raise the profile of the diversity and quality of UK horticultural crops.

“We were very pleased to welcome more exhibitors on the stand this year” said Robert Burns, head of seed and export at Potato Council. “It helped to attract even more visitors to our stand which is clearly becoming the UK hub at this enormous event – and we know that more will join us in 2015.”

Joining Potato Council for a second successful year, HDC’s Head of Communications, Ruth Ashfield, said, “This activity is very new for HDC. However the supportive response to having a horticultural presence here and the feedback we’ve had from growers about having a platform - from which they can develop and build business opportunities - has been positively received. We’re very pleased to be part of it.”

A major focal point for the three-day event is the UK Reception, sponsored by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), which provides UK growers with a time to meet together, as well as with potential new customers.

Daniel Rutstein, Director of Trade and Investment, UKTI Germany who formally opened the event declared “The way we will get growth back in to the UK is by coming to shows like Fruit Logistica, by showcasing our industry and growing the potential of our export market.”

“This venture between HDC, Potato Council and CHA is a good news story for UK exports and I’m sure we will see positive developments by the end of the event.” Dan demonstrated that he is helping drive consumption by adding “I’ve been doing my bit to support our potato and horticulture industry by ensuring I get my ‘five-a-day’ – I averaged 9.76 portions of fruit and vegetables a day last year!”

With seed potato exports rising 30% over the last ten years, and new markets opening up, Potato Council’s work with Scottish Government, combined with an effective overseas events campaign, ensures that seed from Britain maintains its high profile and excellent reputation around the world. The horticulture and potato industry in the UK accounts for about 5% of the UK’s croppable area with around 4,000 growers producing more than 300 types of vegetable, potato, salad and fruit crops, as well ornamental plants and flowers, much of which has huge export potential.

Potato Council continues its seed export campaign by exhibiting at Potato Europe this September in Germany where it will be showcasing a dedicated British seed potato stand to this event’s international audience.