Potato News from United Kingdom

Haith, the UK’s leading manufacturer of vegetable handling machinery, has announced the retirement of Mick Haith after 47 years with the company. Mick’s interest in engineering began when he was seven, helping his father and company founder, George Haith, assemble machines.

McCain Foods has executed a full packaging refresh across their GB and EU markets, redesigning their full portfolios to align with their latest wider brand refresh.

A Christmas dinner stand-off is looming as almost 80% of younger adults are demanding that roasties are ditched in favour of chips on the big day itself.

GB Potatoes has announced that Alex Godfrey will be taking over the reins as Chairman after being elected at the Annual General meeting on the 12th December. Alex takes over from Mark Taylor who has been the Chair ever since the launch of the organisation in 2022.

Nanna Tate is a stand-out new potato brand which has been developed by Branston, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes. With a focus on recreating the nostalgia evoked by the best potato dishes, Nanna Tate builds on Branston’s 50 plus years of potato expertise, adding a modern twist while tapping into the enduring love that Brits have for the humble spud.

Flo-Mech Ltd, a leading supplier of equipment to the snack food and potato processing industry, proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary this November. The milestone event was marked by a grand party attended by both past and present staff members.

Meeting the challenges will be the focus of the 26th annual gathering in Dundee of the country’s leading potato producers and the companies that support them.

The ambitious net-zero goals of leading potato supplier Branston have been recognised by a pioneering organisation that supports businesses around the world to tackle the climate crisis.

Tong Engineering, leading UK vegetable handling solutions manufacturer, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with VHM Machinery, Netherlands manufacturer of high-performance box and big bag handling systems.

The potatoes sector is to benefit from the delivery of seven industry projects funded by residual levy reserves, after a grant agreement was signed between AHDB and GB Potatoes.

Ahead of the festive season, United Kingdom Potato Specialist Branston has once again launched its innovative hybrid Nemo potato to support demand for volume and faster cooking times at this time of year.

Potato farmers have been hit by rising costs and bad weather affecting harvests. Robert Strathern, of Fairfields Farm at Wormingford, near Colchester, described a wet spring that delayed the harvest, making it a 'race against the clock and the weather.'

Potato Days UK, held in early September at Dyson farming’s Nocton Farm in Lincolnshire, ended on a high note, meeting visitor and exhibitor expectations.

Fibe, a London-based material science company, has developed the world’s first textile fibre from potato harvest waste (stems and leaves), garnering the attention of investors and industry experts alike.

The Masser Family of Companies (MFC), the eighth-generation family-owned potato farming company, announced a strategic partnership with Szawlowski Potato Farms (SWAZ), a fifth-generation farm.

On Wednesday, 4 September, at Nocton, Lincolnshire, the new Potato Days UK will be kicking off, offering a full two-day programme of exhibition, trial plots, professional programme, and live machinery demonstrations. Visitors enter for free on both days, 4 and 5 September, with prior registration needed.

Retail demand and consumption is improving this week and should continue to do so upon the return of schools this week following the summer break.

Branston, one of the UK’s leading potato suppliers, has appointed a new general manager at its Lincoln site as part of its ambitious growth plans.