The Fresh Potato Suppliers Association (FPSA) has now joined GB Potatoes, to help unify the industry across Great Britain.

Initial discussions took place in 2024 regarding integrating the two organisations to not only strengthen representation, but also eliminate duplication. As a result, GB Potatoes’ Fresh Sector Consultation Group (FSCG) was formed earlier this year, with FPSA now becoming part of it.

Graham Bannister says with collaboration at its core, the FSCG held its first meeting in February, drawing strong participation from former FPSA members and other packers and suppliers involved in the fresh sector. 

Aims

The group’s aims are as follows:

  • To develop and propose initiatives for the sector which will be reviewed and implemented by the GB Potatoes Board
  • Work collectively with industry partners to tackle shared challenges
  • Address areas of market failure—where an industry-wide approach is required to resolve issues that individual businesses cannot fix alone
  • Be representative of the fresh potato supply chain, including those selling fresh potatoes through retail, chip shops, and food service
  • Ensure both growing and trading interests are represented. 

“GB Potatoes was founded to serve as a single, unified voice for the industry,” says Graham.  “By working together with other organisations, we continue to uphold and deliver that vision. The formation of the FSCG demonstrates that we’ve listened to the sector and taken action.”

Seed Consultation Group

He adds that similarly, the Seed Consultation Group, established in 2024, addresses the unique challenges of the seed industry and provides guidance to the GB Potatoes Board on key issues. 

“The FSCG and the Seed Consultation Group are just two examples of how GB Potatoes is delivering on its commitment to lead and coordinate industry efforts, with more initiatives in development. By fostering collaboration, coordination, and communication, we can overcome challenges and build a more sustainable future for the potato sector. 

“The strength of the potato industry lies in our ability to work together. Join us today and be part of the solution that ensures a more resilient and prosperous future for the potato industry,” he concludes.

The FPSA was established in 2009 to represent the fresh sector of the potato industry bringing together fresh packers and suppliers to retail. Its mission was to identify key issues affecting its members and provide a united voice within the sector. 

With the processing sector being well represented by the Potato Processors Association (PPA) the FPSA focused on tackling technical and practical challenges to support the growth and development of the fresh sector.