Over 5,500 Attend British Potato 2009
The entire potato industry gathered again in Harrogate, North Yorkshire for British Potato 2009 (BP2009), the key industry event of the year. Despite inclement weather and a challenging season, attendance over the two days (November 25 and 26) was up by 10 per cent, according to event organiser the Potato Council. The event has been hailed by exhibitors and visitors as one of the best the industry has ever witnessed.
With over 5,500 attending, its clear that anyone who is serious about growing and purchasing potatoes came to the event, comments Potato Council director Sandra Ziles. There was a great atmosphere, a really positive feeling as you moved through the trade stands. Its been tremendous for business and hugely rewarding for the immense amount of effort Potato Council staff, board members and exhibitors put into making this event truly worthwhile.
Event exhibitors reflected on the event: The first day was the busiest ever known and our stand has been buzzing, says Jo Parish, retail director of BP2009 sponsor Branston. This is the best event that the potato industry has and its very important to be a part of it. Branston was pleased to be the headline sponsor again this year.
More than 500 growers, processors and other industry representatives gathered at Harrogates Majestic Hotel on November 25 for the industry dinner. And for machinery manufacturers Grimme and Techneat Engineering it was a chance to celebrate.
We had a cracking first day, which included selling a two row planter and some positive enquiries, reported Grimme sales director Barry Baker. Im very optimistic with the interest shown weve had plenty of positive enquiries from the large number of interested growers through our stand.
With current market conditions I was surprised how optimistic growers at BP2009 were, says Tom Neat from Techneat Engineering. New legislation challenges require growers to focus on attention to detail. We produce precision applicators for fertilisers and nematacides; we had a successful event with a dozen machines sold on the first day.