BPC efforts a hit
BPC efforts a hit
THE British Trade Area at Potato 2000 organised by the British Potato Council was hailed as a hit by both growers and traders, building on the success of a reception held at the World Potato Congress in Amsterdam earlier in the week.
"I think it is good to see the UK industry promoted like this – the BPC has done well," said Shropshire grower Philip Sankey, who was at both the congress and the show. "Everyone is saying we have put one over the Dutch."
Delegates from the congress were invited to the BPC reception on Monday evening, a day before the host nations hospitality event.
Trade stands in the British Trade Area were supported by up to 60% government funding, sourced by BPC. Only the BPCs own stand and a central pub-style reception area used levy funds, taking about 10% of the export promotion budget.
"If it wasnt for the British Trade Area, there would probably be only five or six British potato companies here and they would be lost among all the other stands," said Mr MacLennan.
Breeder and exporter Caithness Potatoes welcomed the co-ordination. "It is good that there is this British area," said marketing manager Dominic Guindi. "We have had a lot of interest on our stand."