AT BP 2003, NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

WELCOME TO BP 2003. AS THE UK�S LARGEST INDEPENDENT

FAMILY-OWNED POTATO MARKETING GROUP, THE COMPANY IS

DELIGHTED TO BE ONE OF THE EVENT�S MAJOR SPONSORS.





The British Potato event was last held in 2001 when there were 6000 registered British potato producers.



In the same period we have seen demand for fresh crop come under pressure and increasing levels of imports of fresh and processed product.



This creates an industry where everyone in the supply chain, from producers to end users, are under pressure. Inevitably end users exert downward pressure on price at a time when producers and suppliers feel least able to deliver.



It is appropriate, at the time of the premier British Potato event to think about solutions to these problems from a British potato company. As major growers of potatoes ourselves, with over 1000 acres of seed or ware under production this season, we are acutely aware of the industry�s problems.



We, at the Higgins Group, believe we have identified a number of supply chain factors which will contribute to reduced cost and reduced risk. These include



� improved varieties with reduced growing costs

� unique disease testing techniques to improve seed health

� transport initiatives to reduce delivered costs

� new approaches to producer groups to reduce unit production costs

� investment partnerships with customers to reduce factory costs

� Integration of our UK operation with our European supply and sales business



At this year�s event, the Higgins Group has been responsible for the production of the crop being harvested. You will also be able to see us at our Stand (No. 117) in the �Doing Business Centre� and at our joint exhibit marquee with McCain Foods in the field.



This will give you many opportunities to discuss with us how these approaches can ensure that potato production remains profitable and that at the next British Potato event we have a viable, profitable producer base and a healthy British Potato industry.





DAVID HIGGINS

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR







SUPPORTING POTATO GROWERS





� An integrated potato supply chain from seed minituber production to ware crop delivery and management to the customer



� Marketing initiatives, commercial joint ventures



� Plant breeding and variety development



� Technical Field Support



� Novel seed disease testing



� Specialist, reliable transport � Avalon Ltd



� Exporting seed and ware to 20 countries worldwide from offices in UK & Europe



� Long term storage facilities � owning or managing capacity for over 100,000 tonnes p.a.



� Capital Investment to drive down unit costs



� Own growing operation (of over 1000 acres) for both seed and ware



The potato industry is fiercely competitive but The Higgins Group successfully markets the production of over 400 growers through a wide variety of outlets.



�We will provide innovation and value to the supply chain for potatoes in the UK and Europe in partnership with customers, growers and staff.�