Potato News from United Kingdom

April 11, 2012

Seed Potato chronological age affects potato production

With potato planting under way, how many growers are aware that the age of the seed they have planted could have a marked impact on profitability?

April 10, 2012

Aroma of baked potato evokes happiness, researchers found

The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier. Scientists in the UK discovered that the aromas given off during the cooking process can trigger positive memories in the brain.

April 10, 2012

New blight strain shouldn't alarm British potato growers

The very early discovery of a new potato blight strain in Britain doesn't mean that spray programmes will have to change this year, agree researchers and agronomists.

April 03, 2012

Ulster Farmers’ Union visits Mash Direct to discuss potato industry

Following a series of meetings focused on the Northern Ireland’s potato industry Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president Harry Sinclair has said the potato sector is, and will continue to be an important part of Northern Ireland’s agriculture industry.

March 27, 2012

Burts eyes expansion as Hurst cashes in his chips

Burts Potato Chips' Nick Hurst, who recently sold his majority stake in the business, has said the company can 'go from strength to strength' following the sale.

March 26, 2012

Jersey Royal potato harvest is delayed

Jersey Royal potatoes will be harvested two to three weeks later than usual this year, says an island grower.

March 23, 2012

Exclusive new WPC2012 sponsorship deals created

Exceptional demand for prime sponsorship opportunities at World Potato Congress 2012 (WPC2012) has led to a few very special exclusive packages being created for those who don’t want to miss this unique opportunity.

March 21, 2012

UK: New potato grader helps Billockby Farms speed operations

Herbert Engineering has supplied a new potato grader to Billockby Farms.

March 20, 2012

UK: 'Lucky Spuds' promo to emphasize McCain's quality potato sourcing

In the United Kingdom (only!) McCain Foods is offering consumers the chance to win £100,000 via their new on-pack promotion ‘Lucky Spuds’.

March 20, 2012

Top international researchers to attend World Potato Congress 2012

World Potato Congress has become an important diary date and many of the potato industry’s leading international researchers have already registered to attend. In addition, the Fifth Potato Virus ‘Y’ (PVY-wide) workshop and a meeting of United Nations...

March 19, 2012

UK: Burts Potato Chips directors sell shares to Empire Food Brokers

Burts Potato Chips directors Nick Hurst and Jonty White have sold their stakes in the UK crisp firm.

March 16, 2012

Owners United Biscuits consider sale savory snack activities

Private equity firms Blackstone Group LP and PAI Partners SAS have appointed Credit Suisse Group to work on a potential sale of the salty snacks arm of their cakes-to-peanuts business United Biscuits Ltd. in a process that could fetch as much as £500 m...

March 13, 2012

British potato supply chain will cope with drought

The Potato Council has allayed fears that the price of potatoes could increase if the crop is affected by drought.

March 12, 2012

Walkers Sunbites wins pack design award

Walkers Sunbites has won a Silver Design Business Association (DBA) 'Design Effectiveness' award for its new pack design. During the relaunch of Sunbites in 2011, the brand undertook a pack design change which has helped the growth of the brand to see...

March 12, 2012

McCain Foods has appointed Manchester’s Blue Chip Marketing

McCain Foods (GB) has appointed Manchester’s Blue Chip Marketing to create and implement promotional activities for its frozen potato products. Blue Chip won the work after a three-way national pitch. Its creative director Stewart Hilton said the task...

March 12, 2012

Potato shortage could push up price of crisps and chips in Britain

Britain faces a potato shortage this summer if low rainfall persists in the south of England, according to a new forecast. Any shortfall will lead to higher prices for chips, crisps and bags of potatoes.

March 09, 2012

Potato trade puzzled by Defra snub to British farmers

Defra has left the British potato industry scratching its head after revealing that just 17% of the potatoes the department buys come from the UK.

March 09, 2012

La producción de papa del Reino Unido amenazada por enfermedad que afecta a Europa

Los cultivos de papa en el Reino Unido se encuentran expuestos al riesgo de una nueva y agresiva enfermedad que se ha extendido rápidamente por todo el resto de Europa. La enfermedad, Dickeya solani, ha sido vista por primera vez hace sólo siete años, ...