Higgins Group eyes Chinese opportunities

A leading UK based potato supplier is looking to the east for increased opportunity.

The Higgins Group are forecasting that its involvement in Scottish Potato Technology Ltd will create a number of exciting opportunities in China.

The group is one of the founding partners in the project, set up in 2002 with the objective of building commercial relationships with China’s fast growing potato industry.

David Higgins, md of the Higgins Group, said: “This is a market which already consumes over 65 million tonnes of potatoes annually, and the potential is correspondingly large.

“However there are a number of export/import restrictions to overcome before we can start to unlock this potential.

“As one of Scotland’s largest exporters of seed potatoes, we are pleased the UK government is working with its Chinese counterparts to establish the necessary trade protocols.”

However, he said there was still a need for caution: “It is important we take the time to understand the business culture in the Chinese agricultural sector, so I am expecting slow but sure sales growth in China during the next few years.”