The British Potato team has announced key details for this year's industry show, set to take place at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate on November 19 and 20. The event will feature a diverse lineup of seminar speakers, focusing on the theme of the potato's role in consumer diets, both within the UK and internationally.
The seminars will explore a wide range of topics, from consumer habits to global supply chains, examining how the UK potato industry fits into the broader market and what lessons can be learned from other global players.
Leading the seminar series will be Professor David Hughes, an Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London, known as "Dr. Food." Prof. Hughes is a respected figure in the global food industry, recognized for his insights on consumer and retail trends. His presentation, titled "Let's Talk Food!," will provide an in-depth look at evolving consumer preferences and their impact on the food sector. Prof. Hughes brings a wealth of experience, having worked across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. His background includes co-owning a hydroponic fresh herb business in Florida, where the Publix grocery chain was his primary customer, as well as running an agri-food management consulting business in Canada. He has also served on international advisory boards for banks, agri-food companies, and industry associations.
Additional seminar speakers include Cedric Porter and James Young. Cedric Porter is a well-known commentator on the potato market, contributing insights to major media outlets such as the BBC and the New York Times. His talk, titled "International Trends," will provide a global perspective on market developments.
James Young, Vice President of Agriculture at McCain Foods for Great Britain, will also present at the event. Since joining McCain Foods in September 2021, he has overseen the sourcing of over 650,000 metric tons of potatoes annually from growers and suppliers across the UK. His insights will focus on sustainable sourcing and industry best practices.
This year's British Potato Show aims to provide a comprehensive view of the potato industry, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Source: British Potato