Potato News from United Kingdom

GB Potatoes and Branston will host a low-carbon farming event in Lincolnshire on 28 July, while GB Potatoes joins Defra’s Expert Growers Group. The industry also awaits updates on UK-EU seed potato trade and the new Farming Roadmap.

Ishida Europe has named Takayo Motegi as Managing Director, succeeding Dave Tiso, who becomes Chairman. With 30+ years in the Ishida Group, Motegi will lead growth across EMEA, advancing automation, packaging and quality control solutions.

Branston has appointed Tom Seagrief as General Manager, expanding his remit to prepared retail, B2B peeling and mash operations. The move supports growth plans and follows the successful launch of the company's mash facility in 2024.

Greenvale’s Golden Kings potatoes are back in Sainsbury’s stores from 3 June 2026. Known for their buttery flavour, golden colour and consistent quality, the brand is attracting younger shoppers and boosting growth in the potato category.

Tong SwiftLift has appointed Tom Allwood as Electrical and Service Manager to strengthen electrical production, aftersales service and customer support for the SwiftLift range as part of the Tong Engineering Group.

UK potato farmers face rising costs, weak prices, labour shortages and climate shocks after years of disruption. Profitability is under pressure, risking sector decline. Innovation, policy support and collaboration are key to future resilience.

Potatoes in Practice 2026 returns on August 13 at Balruddery Farm near Dundee with SPOT robotic dog demos, live cooking by Sarah Rankin, field trials and seminars.

A survey by Lamb Weston reveals Brits are embracing global flavours at home, with younger generations leading the trend by adding chilli oils, spices and international-inspired twists to everyday meals and chips.

Lamb Weston has launched Frites Atelier in the United Kingdom, introducing the premium fries concept developed in collaboration with three Michelin star chef Sergio Herman to the UK foodservice sector.

Co-op has introduced new 'best of season' potato packs across its stores, becoming the first United Kingdom convenience retailer to adopt a seasonal variety approach designed to support British potato growers and maintain year-round domestic supply.

Scottish seed potato grower WW Martin & Son doubled labour productivity after installing a fully integrated grading line from Tong Engineering, featuring Flikweert Vision optical sorting for faster throughput, precise grading and defect removal.

Potatoes in Practice 2026, Scotland's largest field-based potato event, will take place on Thursday, August 13, at The James Hutton Institute's Balruddery Farm in Invergowrie, near Dundee.

Lamb Weston launches Snap Fries—crispy, oven-ready, pre-portioned fries for on-the-go channels. Designed for quick prep and easy serving, they help operators tap growing 'anytime, anywhere' snacking demand across travel and retail.

Lincolnshire, the county that helped feed Britain during wartime, is back in focus as concerns grow over how much of its own food the United Kingdom can produce. The county will host a major new national farming event later this year.

Bagged Snacks is a powerhouse category for the convenience channel. Worth over GBP 5.3 billion (USD 6.6 billion) and outpacing the growth of other key impulse categories, it’s a primary driver of footfall, appearing in one in every five C&I baskets.

GB Potatoes recently discussed risk in its Cutting the odds: Managing risk in potato production webinar. It heard from GB Potatoes chair Alex Godfrey, the CEO and President of Potatoes USA, Blair Richardson and Rory Gibson.

Kent Crisps has announced the launch of new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps, a mouth-wateringly rich and savoury hand-cooked crisp developed in collaboration with historic Kent Brewer, Shepherd Neame.

Lamb Weston’s 19mm Triple Cooked Chunky Chips, the latest variant to be added to the Stealth range, have been awarded the "Approved Product" accolade from the Craft Guild of Chefs as they become available to foodservice.