Pair for potato export winner
Pair for potato export winner
INNOVATIVE new ventures and seed sales to yet more new markets helped Scottish exporter Gordon and Innes win the PMB-sponsored FFB Potato Exporter of the Year award for a second time.
The Elgin-based company has shown a strong commitment to exports, which currently account for 39% of its business – an increase of 5% from last year – and made sales to six new markets, bringing its total customer base to 28 countries.
Among the developments which earned the company its title were a new laboratory testing facility to monitor seed health, five new packing lines, and the first seed-cutting machine in Scotland. The latter will allow the company to meet demand for cut seed in the Mediterranean.
Other innovations in the year included the establishment of a hobby breeding programme to develop better varieties and the formation of an Asian subsidiary in Thailand. Private ownership has allowed such innovation, says G&Is Alistair Roy.
lThere was a special commendation for Agrolon for its long-term commitment and consistently high achievement as a ware and seed exporter. Overseas sales accounted for 83% of the companys business last year, backed by substantial seed production specifically for export. *
Alistair Roy of Gordon and Innes – winner of the 1996 FFB Potato Exporter of the Year title.