OVERSEAS sales represent the one growth area for Great Britain's seed potato industry to increase volume sales because domestic demand is, at best, static. That's according to the British Potato Council (BPC), which says 20% of all seed potatoes grown in Great Britain are now sent for export.
However, overseas export markets create several unique challenges that are best tackled jointly by the whole industry. To increase export sales, the GB industry must continue to make quality and customer service the number one priority, emphasised BPC seed and export supply chain manager Iain Dykes. "A single, below par shipment can reflect poorly on the whole GB industry. Bad news travels quickly but it takes a lot longer to rebuild a good
reputation."
Speaking to delegates at the BPC-organised Seed Industry Event at Crieff (November 13 & 14), he said: "GB seed continues to impress overseas potato growers and we want to protect this reputation. Companies are developing new products and production methods that help set GB seed apart from our competitors. This approach should be a common goal for everyone involved and can be achieved by working more closely together." He stressed that members of the GB seed potato industry should not be competing against one another. "The real competition lies overseas and that is where exporters must focus their energy. Focusing on quality is a win, win situation for everyone within Great Britain's seed industry. We have the skills and ability to compete with anyone in the world. This will build on the strong reputation GB has for producing top quality seed that meets the demands of fast moving overseas markets."
He told delegates that it is essential for GB's seed potato industry to continue to strive for excellence. "We supply the highest grades of seed often generations earlier where they can be multiplied on in other seed industries. This practice capitalises on the natural advantage found in seed growing areas of Great Britain for producing high-grade crops.
"Another increasing trade is the supply of seed for autumn planting in export markets around the Mediterranean. Advances in the understanding of seed physiological and chronological age along with advanced storage technology has made this possible," he said.
Looking globally, Mr Dykes said the world's rising population and changing eating habits represents another growth market for the GB seed potato industry. Each year there are many more mouths to feed and people are including more potatoes in their diet. And, mirroring the situation in Great Britain, the demand for varieties that can be grown for the potato processing industry has increased.
Supporting this, Muhieddine Doughan, a BPC consultant based in Lebanon told the Seed Industry Event that the demand for quality supplies of British seed in Middle East markets remains healthy and there is still plenty of potential to do more business.
"Potato consumption is increasing in many countries and potato growers require high yielding varieties that match their end market. The high health status of British seed potatoes is a key factor," said Mr Doughan.
