R.S. Cockerill, based in Yorkshire, source and pack potatoes for both the fresh and crisping markets.
"We offer a complete supply chain service to our customers; 50% of our potatoes go to Aldi as fresh and 50% to the crisping industry. We already grow ware potatoes for processing, as well as having several joint ventures with local fresh potato growers. Service levels and customer focus are key; it is our objective to offer our customers a complete service delivering potatoes at the agreed price, agreed quality and at the agreed time, with full provenance", said Rufus Pilgrim, Managing Director at R.S. Cockerill.
"We have just taken on 350 hectares to grow seed and some ware. Our volumes have increased considerably over the last few years and this new enterprise is the final part of the jigsaw for us. Next year we will handle 250,000 tonnes of potatoes. We will predominantly grow seed for our crisping and fresh customers, but also some on contract for the seed houses."
As in other parts of the country rain had delayed planting of anything. Rufus said they are bit behind, "We have started now, but are maybe two weeks behind, but the ground is cold and wet, and the if we'd planted earlier the potatoes would have done nothing. Potatoes can compensate if the conditions improve, so if we have a few weeks with some sunshine and warmth, the crop will catch up."
For more information:
Rufus Pilgrim
R S Cockerill (York) Ltd
Tel: 01904 487718
E-mail: rufus.pilgrim@cockerill.co.uk
cockerill.co.uk