Beanstalk Global was proud to be on the ground at the CUPGRA 36th Annual Cambridge Potato Conference, held on 9-10 December 2025 at the historic Robinson College in Cambridge. This flagship event of the potato sector brought together growers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from across the UK and beyond to share insight, debate ideas, and shape the future of the industry.
Over two days of high-calibre presentations and workshops, delegates benefited from expert knowledge on topics ranging from crop stress imaging and tuber formation, to effective industry innovation, and the role of communication in a changing landscape. Key contributions included talks from:
- Matt John (AgReserves) on learning lessons from transatlantic potato production.
- Anthony Gardiner (G’s) on effective information sharing across the supply chain.
- Belinda Clarke (Agri-TechE) on driving innovation in the sector.
- Ankush Prashar (Newcastle University) and Rob Hancock (James Hutton Institute) on cutting-edge crop science and plant physiology.
- A multi-sector forum featuring voices from breeding, processing, retail, and legislation, including representatives from McCain, Branston, Niab and BPTA.
- The Eric Allen Memorial Lecture delivered by Sarah Roberts (NIAB), exploring canopy science and modern growing practice.
The conference theme, “Looking Back to Move Forward,” reflected the blend of scientific rigour and practical experience that defines the CUPGRA approach, and enabled lively exchange between researchers, growers, and commercial leaders.
Christmas Banquet in honour of the humble potato – A Cambridge Tradition
One of the highlights of the conference was the Christmas Banquet in honour of the humble potato, held in the magnificent St John’s College Dining Hall. This unique evening brought the sector together in a relaxed, celebratory setting, offering networking, stories, and camaraderie alongside distinguished after-dinner reflections from the industry voice as keynote speaker of Andrew Meredith of Farmers Weekly.
Beanstalk Global Coverage
Beanstalk Global was commissioned to provide professional video interviews and photography throughout the event, capturing the insights, personalities, and energy of this vital sector meeting. Our footage includes thought-leadership interviews and speaker highlights that are now being shared as part of the ongoing 2025 potato sector conversation.
To see our conference video interviews from CUPGRA, click on the pictures below. To view the photography gallery with the imagery all free to download (please credit Beanstalk Global), CLICK LINK
Hassan Awashra of Niab
Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or supply-chain professional, the CUPGRA conference reinforces the value of collaboration and innovation in cultivating a resilient, forward-looking potato industry. To find out more about the working of CUPGRA and how to become a member, view their website – https://www.cupgra.com/