News August 2007

Welcome to Potato Innovations Ltd

We are delighted to announce the formation of a new subsidiary to represent our interests in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

As some people may be aware, for the past 19 years MBM Produce Ltd has been the sole representative of our interests in this area.  In particular Peter Pattrick a Main Board Director of MBM has been in charge of the Meijer account.  In March 2004, Premier Foods plc the owner of MBM made some radical decisions and ‘retired’ the founding directors.  Since then MBM has had numerous difficult changes in management and direction.  During this period the seed division of MBM was fortunately left reasonably unaffected due to the immense loyalty of its staff within this area.  In March of this year another change was announced and Premier Foods sold the entire business of MBM to the Managing Director.  With due consideration of all that had happened in the past 3 years, Meijer decided that it was time to have a fresh start and to look after its own destiny within this market.

Subsequently Peter was asked to form Potato Innovations (PI) as Managing Director and put in place a structure to produce and market our varieties within the Market.  PI will also market other varieties needed within this market and will produce varieties for export.  The company will be dedicated to seed and do not intend to be a ware competitor with its customers.

Peter obviously wished to offer all our suppliers and customers an exceptional personal service with people they trust.  To this extent we are delighted to inform you that the majority of Peter’s team from MBM are joining Potato Innovations and bring with them years of considerable experience, they are as follows:

In general terms Bill will look after all matters North, Tony the West, Peter the East and Paul Knight for all technical.  Paul will liaise very closely with Finlay, Martin, Terry and Paul Wood in all the relevant areas.  Everybody will be involved in helping with the production and sales with suppliers and customers to run smoothly.  Sam, Jean and Theresa will be the backbone of the company administration.

Two main offices are in construction at present, one in Norfolk and one in Scotland and as soon as telephone numbers are available these will be circulated.

The Meijer portfolio of varieties has a strong position within the market with plenty of opportunity for expansion.  The main varieties are Lady Rosetta, Accord, Melody, Fambo, Lady Claire, Lady Jo, Lady Olympia, Lady Christl.  New varieties just being introduced are Terra Gold, Bionica, Lady Valora, Lady Blanca, Red Laure, Orchestra and Musica. 

Left to Right

Peter, Paul W, Terry, Sam, Tony, Martin, Paul K, Finlay, Bill

News archive:

• News August 2007: 2007 a Phytophthora year; 2007 a BIONICA year!
• News August 2007: Experimental plot Seville
• News July 2007: News from our purchase department
• News June 2007: News from Southern Europe
• News May 2007: Shipment for Russia
• News April 2007: Sample and demonstration plots
• News March 2007: Breeding station is prepared for the new season
• News February 2007: C. Meijer B.V. helps school children in Sri Lanka
• News November 2006: Quadruplets