Potato Review

Contents Welcome to BP2021! The show that wouldn’t lie down Bringing colleagues? There were times when a British Potato event looked a distant prospect. Big events in the calendar like Potato Europe and Agritechnica fell by the wayside. But still the BP2021 phones kept ringing. Companies booked stands galore. New exhibitors made contact and returning ones increased show footprints, such was the determination to showcase new products and services. Sponsor numbers grew too. And growers and other visitors implored our team to ensure the event would be on. Later, when it emerged another show would stage on the same dates, there was disquiet (and we recognise the inconvenience it caused). Yet, major agronomy businesses that faced a choice decided British Potato couldn’t be missed. And then the industry voted overwhelmingly to part with AHDB and some feared this might have knock-on effects. It does, in the sense that they won’t be exhibiting, but the show itself has been operated commercially by the British Potato team for several decades so is unaffected. So here we are. The industry preparing once again to come together and to do business. Of course, it will be a bit different. And you’ll see from the facing page that our approach isn’t to ignore this, or just whisper about it and hope for the best. We all want peace of mind. So, we’re being very upfront in explaining how we’re delivering this. The indications are it’s already paying dividends – with a number of visitors telling us that while they still aren’t going to other events, they are now coming to Harrogate. At the root of all this support for the event, and anticipation for getting the doors open, is its track record as a potato-specific, business- focused show. This means while we’re very keen to tell you about all the new exhibitors, we’re also keen to point out those not present! As we’ve said before, it’s all about potatoes and you won’t have to wade past sensational sponges and miracle sharpeners. Overall, as well as being bigger than ever, the show continues to widen its breadth of industry coverage from the very start of the cropping cycle, through to those who prepare and package processed products. Yet alongside this continued growth, 2021 sees a renaissance. As featured on page 9, four international manufacturers plan to bring huge self-propelled harvesters to site – a nod to the earliest days of the event when it was purely about encouraging productivity through mechanised harvesting and handling. Whether or not it’s directly relevant to our part of the industry, we’re sure most of us will be keen to take a closer look. We would like to thank all exhibitors, sponsors, trade and media partners for the support that makes the show possible. Everything is set for an excellent and productive event. Thank you for taking the time to attend. 2 The record number of exhibitors means every single part of the industry is covered. So, with so much to see and hear, should you be bringing colleagues? Whether they work on your farm, manage your factory engineering or engage with consumers, there are masses of relevant developments to see at the show. No matter how many FREE tickets you need, registering in advance is quick and easy and will give you even faster access on the day – simply go to www.bp2021.co.uk and click on ‘Visitor registration’. BP2021: The unique showcase for the whole potato industry Inside this summary Show Guide you’ll find: 3 Peace of Mind All working together to ensure the potato industry can gather and do business 4-5 Why you can’t afford to miss this show Key reasons to attend and to explore the whole show 6-7 Site map At-a-glance guide to where you’ll find exhibitors, features and facilities 8 Alphabetical listing Handy reference if you want to make a beeline for particular customers or suppliers 9 Building on the show’s heritage The show’s still growing in size and supply chain coverage. 2021 also sees resurgence in the area where it all began – showcasing harvesting technology 10-11 Sponsors’ messages 12 Event information Practical details – from tickets to trains! GolD SPonSorS MEDIA & Show GuIDE PArtnEr