Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2023 11 BP PREVIEW O RGANISERS are reporting record exhibitor bookings for the British Potato show which returns to Harrogate on November 22nd and 23rd. Despite available stand area increasing by 11%, six months ahead of the show few stands now remain available - at the time of writing, just one in Hall 1 and a handful across Hall 2 and outdoors. Almost all 2021 exhibitors have rebooked and most prevented from attending last time by Covid-19 travel restrictions are also returning. Meanwhile, regulars will also be joined by a record number of newcomers. In keeping with the show’s whole supply chain ethos, the surge in new interest comes from all potato sectors. For example, on potato agronomy, Engage Crop Solutions will be showcasing its Potato Resilience Programme addressing a range of issues including water and nutrient stress. Commercial director Mark Horner said: “We’re active in 26 countries, and UK potato production has been a particular focus over the last three years, so it’s a natural step for us to engage at the industry’s keynote event.” Fellow newcomer OptiYield also expects British Potato to provide an excellent opportunity to share ndings from two seasons of successful agronomy trials and to outline where its approaches t with burgeoning interest in regenerative techniques. For Greens of Soham and Spearhead International, the route to Harrogate is well trodden as they have been visitors for many years. Managing Director Will Shakeshaft said: “ is time we’re excited to be stepping up and exhibiting, as we feel we have a lot of new things to discuss across all aspects of growing and supply chain management.” Meanwhile, in the post-harvest sector, newcomers such as Bradley Engineering and Polar-Systems will be showcasing advances in crop handling and processing, while specialist haulier FarmTrans is also exhibiting for the rst time. With more than 300 trucks and 800 trailers, the business operates from seven o ces across Europe and opened its UK base in 2007. Marketing Manager Ruud Heijsman said: “We’re delighted to be at BP2023 because potatoes are a key part of our business. Indeed, our very rst truck back in 1987 was a potato bulker.” Enthusiasm for bringing the potato industry together at the show is also evident from sponsors. All 11 of last show’s backers having renewed their support and Newtec Odense and DormFresh now further swelling numbers. e positivity surrounding the event is especially heartening after the rigours of dealing with Covid-19 matters last time, according to Co-Organiser Steve Wellbeloved who is currently helping the smooth transfer of the event to the Warners Shows portfolio. “British Potato has grown enormously in size and whole industry scope since it relocated to Harrogate 20 years ago and it’s clear that it’s set to kick-on again this November which is really pleasing” he said. Momentum building for biennial potato pilgrimage. “British Potato has grown enormously in size and whole industry.” BP2023 A potato washer arriving onsite for the 2021 show. Logistics arrangements are well in hand for this November as a record number of exhibits will be accommodated.