Bedfordshire vegetable preparation specialist Parripak Food Ltd can now market cosmetically imperfect potatoes thanks to equipment funding from the Rural Development Service.

Parripak has received a Processing and Marketing Grant towards a specific potato preparation facility, enabling it to take in non-packing grade potatoes regardless of skin finish.

The new system is designed to increase volume, improve yield and reduce the amount of preservatives used.

Opening up a new market to local growers, Parripak will also employ 15 full time members of staff to accommodate the new line.

"The soil type in certain areas tends to make potatoes more prone to skin blemishes. This means that many samples that are not ideal for packing and supermarket presentation will now be able to be used within our new preparation facility. Our new investment will therefore help us to create a market for these potatoes by further processing, said Nick Parrish of Parripak Foods.

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