Tesco and potato supplier Branston have partnered to build a prepared potato factory extension that will cut food waste by enabling the supplier to peel and process wonky potatoes for use as mash.
The £5m facility in Lincolnshire was officially opened on 13 October, and has created 20 new jobs.
The factory peels visually imperfect but entirely edible potatoes, which are then supplied to Samworth Brothers - a convenience food producer that makes a range of Tesco’s ready meals - to be made into mashed potatoes.
It can process about 3,500 tonnes of potatoes each week through its two new batch peeling lines, making it one of the largest peeling and processing facilities in the UK, Branston said.
“Our relationship with Tesco is hugely important to the business and its commitment to reducing waste is a shared goal,” said Branston MD James Truscott. “This exciting new development enables us to play our part, whilst improving quality and freshness for customers.”
“Working collaboratively with our suppliers to ensure we provide the highest-quality fresh produce for our customers is at the heart of what we do,” said Tesco commercial director for fresh food Matt Simister. “Our long history of partnering with Branston has helped to provide the confidence potato growers and the whole potato industry need to invest and innovate for the future.”
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