The Fresh Potato Suppliers Association (FPSA), which was established in 2009 to represent the fresh sector of the potato industry, has joined GB Potatoes as the industry moves closer to having a single voice since the demise of AHDB Potatoes.
The FPSA brought together fresh packers and suppliers to retail customers with the mission was to identify key issues affecting its members and providing a united voice within that particular sector, as well as tackling technical and practical challenges to support the growth and development of the fresh potato sector.
Last year discussions began with the aim of integrating the FPSA into GB Potatoes to strengthen representation and eliminate duplication. As a result, the Fresh Sector Consultation Group (FSCG) was formed in early 2025, and the FPSA has now transitioned into the GB Potatoes Fresh Sector Consultation Group. The FSCG held its first meeting in February, drawing strong participation from former FPSA members and other packers and suppliers involved in the fresh sector and emphasising collaboration across the potato industry.
In particular, the FSCG will play a key role in shaping the future of the fresh potato sector by developing and proposing initiatives for the sector, working collectively with industry partners to tackle shared challenges, and ensuring both growing and trading interests are represented. In particular it aims to address areas of market failure – where an industry-wide approach is needed to resolve issues that individual businesses cannot fix alone, and it will be representative of the whole fresh potato supply chain, including those selling fresh potatoes through retail, chip shops, and food service.
In a statement, GB Potatoes said, “GB Potatoes was founded to serve as a single, unified voice for the industry. By working together with other organisations, we continue to uphold and deliver that vision and the formation of the FSCG demonstrates that we have listened to the sector and taken action. Similarly, the Seed Consultation Group, established in 2024, addresses the unique challenges of the seed industry and provides guidance to the GB Potatoes Board on key issues.
“The FSCG and the Seed Consultation Group are just two examples of how GB Potatoes is delivering on its commitment to lead and coordinate industry efforts. More initiatives are in development [and] by fostering collaboration, coordination, and communication, we can overcome challenges and build a more sustainable future for the potato sector.”
