FSCG sets out stall for fresh potato sector

A new industry body representing UK fresh potato suppliers and packers says it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sector.

Meeting for the first time on 25 February in York, the newly formed Fresh Sector Consultation Group (FSCG) set out its mission to promote the growth and development of its members and the wider industry.

The FSCG, which replaced the Fresh Potato Suppliers Association (FPSA) at the start of this year, identified five key areas of focus:

• To develop and propose initiatives for the sector, which will be reviewed and implemented by the GB Potatoes Board.
• To work collectively with industry partners to tackle shared challenges.
• To address areas of market failure—where an industry-wide approach is needed to resolve issues that individual businesses cannot fix alone.
• To be representative of the fresh potato supply chain, including those selling fresh potatoes through retail, chip shops, and food service.
• To ensure both growing and trading interests are represented.

The FSCG’s inaugural meeting drew strong participation from former FPSA members and other packers and suppliers involved in the fresh sector, the group said.

Established in 2009, the FPSA was set up to represent the fresh sector of the potato industry, bringing together fresh packers and suppliers to retail.

Its mission was to identify key issues affecting its members and provide a united voice within the sector.

In 2024, discussions took place to integrate the FPSA into GB Potatoes – the umbrella UK trade body launched in 2022 to represent the nation’s entire potato industry.

These discussions resulted in the formation of FSCG in early 2025, with Scott Walker – CEO of GB Potatoes – acting as FSCG interim chair.

Commenting on these latest developments, Walker said: “GB Potatoes was founded to serve as a single, unified voice for the industry. By working together with other organisations, we continue to uphold and deliver that vision. The formation of the FSCG demonstrates that we have listened to the sector and taken action.

“Similarly, the Seed Consultation Group, established in 2024, addresses the unique challenges of the seed industry and provides guidance to the GB Potatoes Board on key issues.”

He added: “By fostering collaboration, coordination and communication, we can overcome challenges and build a more sustainable future for the potato sector.”