I POTATOES
Branston Prepared For Changing Market Demands Branston, one of the largest buyers, packers and distributors of potatoes in the UK, has officially opened its new £5 million prepared foods factory extension at its site in Lincoln in partnership with Tesco. ranston operates from three bases across Britain to retain close proximity to its customers and growers. Its original and still largest site is at Lincoln, which was established in 1968. In 1997, Branston purchased its South West site in Somerset, which has become a centre of excellence for new and salad potato production. In 2004, the company moved into Scotland to establish a base at Abernethy near Perth. Indeed, Branston has developed into one of the largest farmercontrolled produce businesses in the UK. Branston diversified into prepared foods in 2005 before opening a purpose built £4 million high care factory at its Lincoln site in 2009 to produce convenient potato and vegetable products.
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New Facility The new 1,700 sq ft prepared foods factory expansion reinforces Branston’s position as one of the UK’s most substantial processors of potatoes. Producing around 3,500 tonnes of potatoes each week for sale in Tesco stores across the UK, the prepared foods factory expansion includes the introduction of two new batch peeling lines, making it one of the largest peeling and processing facilities in the UK In an innovative move, Branston’s new site will allow potatoes which are not suitable for the fresh market to be peeled before going to convenience food producers as part of their mash potato ranges or as a topping for pies or casseroles. The investment has created more than 20 jobs at the site. It also supports Tesco’s commitment to look for new ways to reduce food waste. The facility peels visually imperfect but entirely edible potatoes, which are then supplied to Samworth Brothers, a convenience food producer which produces a range of Tesco’s ready meals. New Development James Truscott, managing director of Branston, comments: “Our
Branston has officially opened its new £5 million prepared foods factory extension.
James Truscott, managing director of Branston.
relationship with Tesco is hugely important to the business and its commitment to reducing waste is a shared goal. This exciting new development enables us to play our part, whilst improving quality and freshness for customers.” He adds: “The new state-of-the-art peelers have the capacity to cope with potatoes of all shapes and sizes - the wonky veg - which can be used to supply Samworth Brothers to make mashed potatoes for its range of Tesco ready meals. Working in partnership adds value to all three businesses. We have to continually modernise and adapt to the evolving food industry in order to have a sustainable business.” Matt Simister, commercial director for Fresh Food at Tesco, says: “Working collaboratively with our suppliers to ensure we provide the highest quality fresh produce for our customers is right at the heart of what we do. Our long history of partnering with Branston, has helped to provide the confidence potato growers and the whole potato industry need to invest and innovate for the future.” Matt Simister elaborates: “With thousands of people across the UK having to use food banks every day, at Tesco we are constantly looking for new ways to reduce food waste with everything we grow and sell. This new partnership between Branston and Samworth and new facility means that in addition to our Farms Brands and Perfectly Imperfect ranges, we will be able to use up to 95% of our growers’ crops and save edible produce from being wasted.” Expansion in Scotland Earlier in 2016, Branston unveiled the latest fully integrated grading, washing and sizing line at its Abernethy site – revolutionising the factory’s ability to process high volumes. The £1.7 million investment has allowed the site to gear up production to meet the demand of a large long-term supply contract won by the company. J
FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS EUROPE, DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017
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