UK exporters sharing Potato Council’s stand at Potato Europe enjoyed a successful event, the council reports.

At the two-day show in Tournai, Belgium earlier this month the council’s stand attracted more than 200 direct industry enquiries for both seed and ware potatoes.

International seed breeders and exporters were pleased with the results, as they come out of a successful season. “The record-breaking 2011 seed potato export season reflects our success in this sector,” said David Murdie, CEO for Grampian Growers, who was on the stand for the first time this year. “The pavilion attracted serious potential customers from early on and we made excellent contacts. As a result, we expect our exports to really expand next year.”

Council delegates on the stand also developed links with government officials from potential importers such as Turkey.

“The stand was bustling with growers and importers from early on the first day,” 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 including Australia, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in addition to Europe.”

Prentice highlighted the importance of the PR programme that had generated growing interest in high-health seed grown specifically in the UK for overseas markets.

“There is growing appreciation for the quality of seed potatoes cultivated in Britain’s cool, temperate climate, using the most modern equipment to ensure high quality is maintained during storage. In addition, importers really appreciate varieties specifically grown to suit their particular climate and market.”

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