Potato News from United Kingdom

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.

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, farmers are continually seeking ways to enhance crop yields, improve plant health, and maximize the quality of their produce. One of the most promising strategies in recent years has been the use of biostimulants—natural products that enhance plant growth and resilience.

Biofresh Safestore, which is celebrating two decades of installing potato sprout suppressant systems in the United Kingdom, will offer visitors of the UK Potato Days who commit to a site survey during the show a ten per cent discount. 

This year’s Hutchinsons Potato Demonstration Day, held at Worth Farms, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, focussed on potential solutions to address some of the key challenges faced by UK potato growers.

PepsiCo has announced a GBP 13 million (USD 16.9 million) investment in its Coventry factory, the home of Doritos.

After putting a unique box and bag unloader through its paces, one of the UK's largest suppliers of potatoes has reported a 33% increase in efficiency and a 50% reduction in forklift movements.

Restrain has announced the launch of its new Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology, setting an unprecedented standard in storage solutions.

In a year marked by escalating climate emergencies and global calls for sustainable solutions, Regenagri, a global leader in regenerative agriculture, has announced impressive performance in its Impact Report has been launched.

Freshly harvested Cornish New Potatoes arrive in Tesco stores and online from June 24 to the delight of shoppers across the United Kingdom.

British ingredients supplier, Daymer Ingredients, has entered into an agreement with AKV, a Danish potato ingredients producer, to sell its native and clean label, functional potato starches in the United Kingdom.