Potato News from United Kingdom

The Potato Council stand at Fruit Logistica (Berlin, February) received more than 150 industry direct enquiries for seed and ware potatoes this year.

The unsettled weather is hampering progress with potato planting in the United Kingdom, says the Potato Council.

In nearly three decades, Kettle Foods has grown from one man’s vision to a household name and a major player in Norfolk’s food sector. And there are no signs of that growth trend slacking any time soon, according to Jeremy Bradley, managing director.

After weeks of rumours, it has been confirmed that a Muthill potato firm has gone into administration, leading to the loss of two jobs and putting 15 more at risk.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by accessing the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK’s Universities.

PepsiCo has warned that it won't be able to make any more radical cuts to salt levels in its Walkers crisps until there have been further scientific advances.

Nick Ripley has joined Seabrook Crisps as sales director. His task is to drive the firm's growth, especially in the South of England, to help achieve the target of reaching an annual turnover of £69 million by 2015.

There are real opportunities for the industry to optimise the fresh potato category and build long-term demand.

Baxters High Brow Produce says it has increased throughput by 38%, reduced production staff and improved potato packing since installing a new automated bagging line.

Scientists at East Malling Research (EMR) - recognised as world experts on water management - have found a way to significantly reduce the amount of water used to grow potatoes commercially, after transferring the knowledge from early work with strawberries.

United Biscuits is celebrating another success in its bid to cut waste by eliminating landfill from four of its factories.

It’s not every day a new crisp company is born. You tend to think that the market has long ago been sewn up by the likes of Walkers and Kettles, but, make way for Corkers.

Diamond Foods, Inc. today announced a $10 million expansion of its production facility in Norwich, UK to meet increasing demand.

The Potato Council has published another issue of its monthly Euro-potato report. Northwest European potato markets firmed during the end of 2010 and prices have continued to rise in early 2011