Potato News from United Kingdom

British food processing equipment manufacturer Fabcon Food Systems has marked its fifth anniversary after growing internationally and securing contracts with over 100 customers.

The latest trade data provided by the United Kingdom customs agency (HMRC) provide an overview of the full season of July-June 2019/20. Data shows that both imports and exports of potatoes (fresh and frozen) were down YOY and against the 3-year average.

Farmer shareholders at Haverfordwest-based Puffin Produce have relinquished control of the co-operative in a management buyout deal.

The consumer landscape has changed dramatically over the last two months since the introduction of the UK lockdown.

GIC, which designs and manufactures vertical form fill and seal machines, has seen orders more than double year on year.

Leading UK potato and vegetable handling equipment manufacturer Tong Engineering has announced the appointment of a new Quality Manager: Denzil Phillips

Two of the most respected and well-known agricultural machinery manufacturers have announced a strategic collaboration for the UK and Ireland.

AHDB’s announcement that it is consulting on the future of the Sutton Bridge Crop Research Station, and on potato storage research more broadly, should worry every potato grower in this country.

Tong Engineering has announced the latest addition to its recent series of new product developments, with the launch of a new, all-electric box tipper; the E-TIP.

Trolls-CalbeeThe oven-baked crunchy chickpea sticks are launching in two flavors, named after characters in the film – 'Barb BQ Beef Rock Strings' and 'Poppy's Ketchup Pop Strings'.

A leading food maker in Whittlesey is to furlough some staff after a slump in demand from restaurants and pubs forced to close by COVID-19 pandemic.

A PERTHSHIRE farming business which supplies table and seed potatoes to the UK, Europe, North Africa and Middle East will increase throughput by up to 100 percent by modernizing operating processes after securing £1 million in support from banking giant

In mainland Europe the widespread closure of restaurants and other food service outlets has meant that demand for processed potato products has fallen significantly.

Essex potato farmers have responded to the coronavirus crisis by setting up a free home delivery service for the local community.

While in response to COVID-19 risks restaurants in many regions are offering Drive Thru, takeout and/or delivery only, fast food Chain McDonald'sUK and Ireland has closed its restaurants altogether - including Drive Thru and take-away.

Haith Group, a leading designer and manufacturer of potato handling equipment, used the Fruit Logistica (5-7 February) to ramp-up its post-Brexit preparations as the company looks to continue its excellent European export levels.

AHDB Potatoes warns potato growers in the United Kingdom not to use the sprout inhibitor CIPC on their 2020 potatoes, as it makes it impossible to sell them. In fact ALL European farmers should follow this advice!

Haith has strengthened a key area of its business with the appointment of Jim Bird. Mr Bird joins the leading designer and manufacturer of vegetable handling equipment as a Project Manager.