Potato merchants and growers that supply the fish and chip shop sector should contact the British Potato Marketing Association (BPMA) for information about a new quality charter that aims to improve the value of fresh British chipping potatoes.
The British Quality Chip Charter (BQCC) aims to maintain a healthy demand for British-produced potatoes and ensure a better return for merchants and growers that meet the Charter's standards. The Charter will be managed by the BPMA and is approved by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and the British Potato Council (BPC).
Suppliers wanting to use the BQCC logo on potato bags will have to be approved by the BPMA and potatoes must meet firm protocols for dry matter, fry colour, size and defects.
BPC marketing executive Kay Hogg said: "The BQCC charter provides the opportunity for suppliers to sell to fish and chip shops on the basis of quality, not just price. Fish and chip shops are important buyers and research has indicated that there are fryers willing to pay more for better potato consistency to help them compete with other fast food outlets."
According to the BPMA, potato merchants and suppliers are enthusiastic and thoroughly committed to the Charter. The BPMA wants to achieve robust, nationwide coverage of BQCC accredited suppliers by the end of 2004.
*For more information about BQCC potatoes, businesses should contact the BPMA on 01775 722349 or e-mail ros_bpma@mooret.co.uk
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