Thirteen years after first showcasing its innovative potato sprout management technology at Potato Europe, UK-based Biofresh Safestore is making a triumphant return to the 2024 event. The company, which has established itself as a leader in Ethylene-based sprout suppressant systems, aims to expand its presence across Europe, targeting new markets and reaffirming its commitment to sustainable, chemical-free potato storage solutions.
Ethylene-Based Sprout Suppression: A Chemical-Free Future for Potato Storage
Biofresh Safestore’s technology represents a breakthrough in the potato storage industry. Using Ethylene gas as a sprout suppressant, the system ensures that potatoes can be stored for extended periods without the use of traditional chemicals like CIPC (chlorpropham), which has been banned in the European Union due to health and environmental concerns. Ethylene, a naturally occurring plant hormone, offers a residue-free solution that is particularly appealing to processors and retailers focused on delivering high-quality, chemical-free produce.
The system, managed through a central control panel equipped with an easy-to-use HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panel, regulates the distribution of Ethylene gas within potato stores. This ensures optimal storage conditions, regardless of store size or configuration, and is versatile enough to be used in both box and bulk storage environments. By preventing sprouting without leaving chemical residues, Biofresh Safestore’s technology helps farmers meet stringent regulatory standards while maintaining the quality of their crops.
Expanding European Reach
With more than half a million tonnes of potatoes already stored using Biofresh Safestore’s systems across the UK, Europe, and beyond, the company is keen to build on its success at Potato Europe 2024, which will take place in Villers-Saint-Christophe, France, on September 11th and 12th. The event is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors, including farmers, agronomists, and representatives from the processing industry, all eager to learn about the latest advances in potato production and storage.
Biofresh Safestore will be offering a special promotion at the event: a 10% discount on system prices for visitors who commit to a site survey during Potato Europe. This offer, which was first introduced at Potato Days UK, is part of the company’s strategy to grow its market share in France, Belgium, and other European countries. According to Biofresh Safestore Operations Director Jeremy Barraclough, the company is confident that the exhibition will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with new customers and demonstrate the benefits of its innovative storage solutions.
Meeting the Demands of a Changing Industry
The potato industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by stricter regulations, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for more sustainable agricultural practices. Biofresh Safestore’s Ethylene-based system addresses these challenges by offering a solution that not only extends the storage life of potatoes but also aligns with the industry’s push toward greener, more environmentally friendly technologies.
Since its founding in 2003, Biofresh has been at the forefront of post-harvest innovation. The company’s collaboration with Newcastle University’s School of Biology has allowed it to develop cutting-edge technologies that are now used by potato businesses across the UK and Europe. The establishment of Biofresh Safestore Limited in December 2022 marked a new chapter for the company, as it took over operations from the Biofresh Group, which had shifted its focus away from potato storage.
Today, Biofresh Safestore is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for residue-free storage solutions. With its return to Potato Europe, the company is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of potato storage across Europe and beyond.
As the European potato industry adapts to new regulations and sustainability goals, Biofresh Safestore’s Ethylene-based sprout suppressant system offers a timely and effective solution for long-term storage. With its focus on expanding across Europe and providing chemical-free storage options, Biofresh Safestore is helping farmers and processors meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Potato Europe 2024 will be a critical platform for showcasing these innovations and fostering new partnerships.
