Bennett Potatoes Ltd

Founded in 2009 as a privately-owned business, Bennett Potatoes takes pride in supplying the best quality products time and time again. If a potato isn’t right, it doesn’t leave the site. They have grown in size and are leading suppliers serving retailers, food service and food processors along with exporting potatoes to major multiples in Europe.

The company’s management team boasts a passion for all things potato, with extensive experience in both growing and packing. This wealth of knowledge is combined with a strong motivation and dedication to providing quality and consistency in a demanding market. Bennett Potatoes provides meticulous care in overseeing every aspect of production, from picking and washing to packing and distributing. Whether the smallest or largest customer, a Maris Piper lover or a Desiree fanatic, they pride themselves on providing the same dedicated and professional service.

Bennett Potatoes have been supplying Oliver Kay for over 12 months and we asked Dave Bailey, Sales Development Manager for more info.

What is the history/background of your company?

Bennett Potatoes started up in 2009 with just 13 staff supplying wholesale markets. We are now close to 100 staff members serving retailers, Food service and food processors along with exporting potatoes to major multiples in Europe.

What is your role within the business and how long have you worked here?

I am the sales development manager and have been in the role for 9 years with my role being in charge of all grade one potato sales.

Talk us through the world of potatoes.

Potatoes are grown throughout the summer with the earliest varieties commencing lifting in June and later varieties still being lifted as late as November. Potatoes are then stored in cold stores all year round to get through to the fresh potatoes being lifted the following season. We use UK potatoes all year round of white varieties. Depending on the season we may look to non UK options on more specialised varieties.

What are the biggest challenges that you face in the industry?

Weather! The potato season is very dependent on good growing conditions which starts right from the point of when crop needs to be planted through to good weather conditions for lifting. Potatoes generally like warm soils with good levels of moisture.

Do you have any innovation plans for the future?

We are constantly evolving as a business whether that be new machinery for packing capabilities with automation to improve efficiencies, all the way through to growing techniques and testing to try and maximise yields and productivity.

Tell us some interesting facts about Bennett Potatoes.

In 2017 we started growing 1,200tonnes of potatoes and today we grow 25,000 tonnes which provides a continuity of supply, price and quality. We invest heavily in our employees as we believe this not only helps our business run smoothly but also creates a positive work environment that attracts and retains talent, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

And finally, what potato tips do you have for us?

One of the biggest reasons for complaints on potatoes is for sprouting. Sprouting is not an issue for the usability of a potato. Sprouts can be snapped off and you then have a perfect potato. The sprout is a sign the potato is in a healthy state as it is looking to regenerate.