United Kingdom
March 7, 2011

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

Driving demand for British seed potatoes, members of the Potato Council team and the Scottish Government liaised with industry representatives from countries such as the USA, Canada, Morocco, Namibia, Russia, Saudi Arabia and China.

Growers and their agents also paid rapt attention to information about the Seed Potato Classification Schemes and the benefits of the cool, temperate climate enjoyed by Britain.

“The stand was buzzing with growers and importers from the first moment,” says Potato Council head of seed and export Mark Prentice. “Requests for information on seed and ware potatoes were received from a wide range of countries from across Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and South America.

“Last year saw another rise in seed export figures, and our first impressions show this year is going to be even stronger.”

Seed potato exports have grown more than 30 per cent over the past ten years, partly as a result of potato varieties being developed for overseas markets.

Mr Prentice highlighted the importance of a positive PR programme that had generated growing interest from international press, in particular in Europe and the Middle East.

“Every day we were approached by editors from three or four international agricultural journals. We had conversations with editors of prestigious magazines with readership in the Mediterranean countries, Spain and Germany amongst others. They all recognised the importance of the benefits of high health potatoes and better understand the Safe Haven Seed Certification scheme.

Website: http://www.potato.org.uk/

Published: March 7, 2011