Developed with Solanum's customer-base, the centre is supported by an alliance between the company and the combined force of Agrico, BASF and Syngenta.

The first success of the venture has already hit the marketplace. Early variety Elizabeth was available in limited quantities for the Jubilee celebrations in June.

Jason Burgess, Solanum's supply chain director said: 'We believe we have created a forum where everyone from plant breeder to produce manager can exchange views and share in added value from field to fork.

'We have a foundation for our whole production, processing and marketing operation that ensures our customers get early access to innovation. Together we can deliver efficiency, quality and value.' Solanum customer marketing director Stuart Nelson has a branded food and drinks industry background. He said: 'None of the multinationals I worked for ever showed this type of commitment to every element of the supply chain, by collaborating with suppliers, growers and customers to produce better products for the end user.' The company has 65 members and 5,000 hectares under potatoes, and markets 200,000 tonnes of potatoes a year. 'Without our suppliers, we're nothing,' said Burgess. 'By working together, every single one of us will benefit.'