From Potatoes to Chips: Adding Value to Agricultural Production
Overview
An independent, family-run potato processing business wanted to diversify its product range, improve efficiency and strengthen its position within the UK potato supply chain.
With support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the business invested in an automated packing line to expand into frozen chip production.
At a Glance
Client: Family-run potato processing business
Project: Expansion into frozen chip production
Funding: Rural England Prosperity Fund
Focus: Diversification, efficiency, sustainability and supply chains
The Challenge
The business identified an opportunity to add value to its potato processing operation by expanding into frozen chips. Investment was needed to increase production capacity, improve efficiency and access new markets.
Our Approach
ARC supported the business in securing Rural England Prosperity Fund investment towards the new processing equipment.
The automated packing line enables the business to increase production capacity and develop its frozen product range.
The project also supports wider sustainability objectives, including reducing transport and carbon miles by processing potatoes closer to their source, exploring biodegradable packaging and finding productive uses for processing waste.
The Result
The investment enables the business to diversify, improve efficiency and strengthen its relationships with British potato growers and the wider UK potato supply chain.
It demonstrates how investment in processing and innovation can add value to agricultural production while supporting rural business growth and resource efficiency.