The AHDB Potatoes ‘Next Generation’ tour kicked off in Yorkshire last month, visiting two progressive Yorkshire based potato businesses. The day focused on processing, a star performer of the GBP4.1bn GB potato industry.

The first session in Scarborough was hosted at the GB headquarters of McCain Foods. As the largest UK purchaser of potatoes, McCain utilises 15% of the annual crop to supply its French fry and potato specialty production lines in the UK.

From 1974 to 2013, the volume consumption of processed potatoes grew 104% from 119g per person per week to 242g. The frozen potato market continues to grow and was one of the strongest performing frozen categories in 2014.

“The combination of convenience, value for money (frozen products leading to less waste) and a strong product development program has kept potatoes relevant and contemporary for consumers,” said Next Generation delegate and McCain fieldsperson, Matt Stubbings.

The second session was hosted by RS Cockerill, in Dunnington, near York. This one focused on the GB crisping market, worth £914 million in annual retail sales. RS Cockerill has expanded rapidly and supplies around 100,000 tonnes of crisping potatoes to Walkers each year, representing one out of every six packs sold in the UK. Martin Cockerill, its Managing Director explained how the business developed from growing and trading potatoes and carrots in the 1930’s. When Martin joined the business in the late 60’s, he developed an aerial crop spraying service and a pre-pack business serving retail multiples and large wholesalers. The company started supplying potatoes on contract to Tudor Crisps, later becoming Smiths Crisps and then Walkers who are still a major customer.

In July, the Next Generation group will be hosted by Tong Engineering and Grimme UK in Lincolnshire.