Potato News from United Kingdom

July 26, 2009

Tong Peal and Pacepacker services collaborate to improve potato weighing and bagging

A new option for automation of the weighing and bagging of potatoes is being provided through a joint initiative by Tong Peal and Pacepacker Services. The two companies are working together to offer machinery that combines the Tong Peal electronic w...

July 24, 2009

Potato Council Updates estimate of 2009 GB potato plantings

The Potato Council’s estimate of total potato plantings for 2009 has been updated from the provisional end-June area of 129,100 ha to a revised figure of 130,268 ha.This is very close to the final published figure for 2008 of 130,200 ha. The revised fi...

July 23, 2009

Genetically modified potato trial restarted in Yorkshire (UK)

A trial of genetically modified potatoes which was vandalised last year has restarted, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.The Leeds University trial aims to grow potatoes which are resistant to a microscopic worm which stunts their growth and costs British ...

July 23, 2009

Potato Trading Company MBMG calls in Administrators

More than 80 jobs will go after potato trading company MBMG went into administration.Ian Carr and Malcolm Shierson of Grant Thornton were appointed joint administrators to the company, which has its headquarters in March, Cambridgeshire, and employs ab...

July 22, 2009

Radix is moving to new larger premises!

Since its inception over 20 years ago, Radix Systems Limited has operated from industrial units in Romsey, Hampshire. Over the years, Radix developed several generations of the AUTOSORT, supplied sorting machines to many customers and seen the growth o...

July 21, 2009

New Scottish kettle crisps Brand: Mackies at Taypack

Ice cream giants Mackies and Perthshire potato company Taypack are defying the recession to create Scotland's newest brand of crisps.Mackies at Taypack have invested £1.6 million in state of the art technology and have created 15 jobs.George Taylor of ...

July 16, 2009

UK government sets out to reduce carbon emmissions;Farming to reduce emissions 6%

The UK government has unveiled plans to cut carbon emissions in a bid to tackle climate change.The Low Carbon Transition Plan calls on farming to reduce emissions to 6% lower than the level predicted for 2020.It suggests this should be done through an ...

July 16, 2009

Anaerobic digestion scheme key to cutting food and packing in landfill

A UK Government initiative on anaerobic digestion that includes using food and bioplastic packaging waste to create energy could play a key role in helping cut landfill volumes, said an industry body. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) welcomed the go...

July 15, 2009

Fenland eyes Cold Store boom

Fenland is set to become the cold store capital of Europe as food industry heavyweights tuck into exciting new developments in the Wisbech area. Hundreds of jobs could be created in the long term as Dutch company Partner Logistics cashes in on the app...

July 15, 2009

Food Standards Agency publishes survey of process contaminants in retail foods 2008

This Food Surveillance Information Sheet (FSIS) reports the results from the second year of a three-year rolling program, which commenced in 2007, to measure the levels of the process contaminants acrylamide, furan, ethyl carbamate and 3-monochloropro...

July 09, 2009

BASF halts GM potato research in UK

Prospects for growing blight-resistant potatoes created by genetic modification have received a setback in the UK after BASF's decision to suspend research into such varieties.BASF's blight-resistant potato Fortuna was five to six years away from comme...

July 08, 2009

FDF Recipe for Change: Product innovation continues despite economic downturn

The economic downturn has not created a 'health crunch' when it comes to new product innovation, suggests research conducted for the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) by independent consultancy Mintel's Global New Products Database. Based on its tracki...

July 08, 2009

McCain reformulation case study (FDF: Recipe for Change)

McCain Foods (GB) is proud to produce high quality products which allow our consumers to enjoy the natural, nutritious and great taste of potatoes as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

July 08, 2009

United Biscuits reformulation case study (FDF: Recipe for Change)

“The reformulation of our well loved McVitie's brand was the latest in a long line of projects that have delivered a significant health benefit for consumers – without any compromise on taste” Alice Cadman, Head of Strategic Projects, United Biscuits.

July 08, 2009

Pepsico reformulation case study (FDF: Recipe for Change)

“At PepsiCo, our goal is to support healthier lifestyles by providing a range of great-tasting products that are as healthy as possible. We're very proud of the work we've done to transform the nutritional profile of some of the nation's favourite foo...

July 07, 2009

Branningans' iconic brown paper bag returns

To tap into the growing consumer trend for nostalgic brands, United Biscuits UK , a leading UK manufacturer of snacks, biscuits and cakes, has redesigned its Brannigans range to generate extra sales. Available now, the new design draws inspiration from...

July 03, 2009

NFU Inputs Price Monitor reveals how much UK farmers pay

Over 200 farmers from around the country have so far taken part in the Farmers Weekly/NFU Inputs Price Monitor, giving an accurate picture of how much they are paying for a wide range of farm inputs.The Inputs Price Monitoring was launched at last mont...

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

June 30, 2009

Sandra Ziles new director of Potato Council

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) announces the appointment of Sandra Ziles as the new Director of the Potato Council. Sandra is passionate about food and farming and has a strong track record in developing and promoting Brit...