The Higgins Group operates out of three sites in the UK - Finningley near Doncaster, which is its head office, Lincoln and Scotland. It is also active in Reims, France. “We supply potatoes for ware, processing and seed, and now occupy a place at the forefront of the international potato supply chain,” says David Higgins, group managing director.
“Our activities encompass all stages of the potato life cycle from the development of new varieties, seed and mini-tuber production through to ware growing and contracting, storage, distribution and management of supply at customer factories.”
Europe has become increasingly important for the Higgins Group, both as a growing base and a source of new customers. This has resulted in major expansion at Pommies, the company’s operation in Reims. “Pommies has developed a strong supply network across western Europe, exporting throughout the region on a daily basis,” says Higgins.
The firm is proud of its seed operation in Morayshire, Scotland, which it claims is based in one of Europe’s most disease-free regions. The operation kicks off with mini-tuber production and continues through the various stages to final production and storage.
Higgins, which was established in 1959, works with over 400 growers, which it supports with technical advice and agronomy services. It also provides the phased use of capital equipment, mobile washing stations and big-bag trailers, in addition to reliable transport and long-term storage facilities. Higgins big bag distribution system, and a seed potato disease diagnostics kit are available to its growers nationwide.
“We recognise that success goes hand-in-hand with the success of our ‘partners’ - the growers and customers; forward thinking helps to maintain our position in a highly competitive marketplace,” Higgins explains.
One of the firm’s newest variety successes is Smile. This is so called because of a white ‘smile’ on the potato’s pink skin. This all-round variety is attracting attention and last year was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s bi-centenary gold medal at the Three Counties Show.
In terms of exports, Higgins is broadening its horizons and currently supplies seed potatoes to mainland Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Most recently, the firm has begun shipping to the Canary Islands.
Higgins has plans to expand further in key areas and is a founding partner of Scottish Potato Technology. This was established in 2002 with the objective of building commercial relationships with China’s fast growing potato industry. “The Chinese market already consumes over 65m tonnes of potatoes annually, and Higgins is ready to take advantage of major trading opportunities that relaxation of trading restrictions will present,” Higgins says.
In addition, the group is extremely active in the processing sector and counts the major crisp, chip and ready prepared companies among its customers. “Innovation in this area has been delivered through dedicated customer-focused teams, investing staff and capital to manage the total supply function and marketing initiatives for their customers, and we’ve been rewarded with secure, long term supply contracts,” Higgins says.
Staying ahead of the competition remains a priority and Higgins has established first class research and testing laboratory facilities. The company has invested heavily in its in-house disease testing of seed stocks, putting it at the forefront of European potato disease diagnostics.
“This technology reduces uncertainty and guarantees the best possible returns to growers by limiting the risk of disease,” Higgins says. “In addition, the potential to develop more resilient varieties offers opportunities for reduced costs and improved production quality throughout the potato industry worldwide.”
“These testing facilities and highly skilled laboratory staff are put at the disposal of commercial growers, who can take advantage of a comprehensive disease testing service for a number of diseases, including blackleg and dry rot analysis.”
No comments yet