Third International Blackcurrant Conference
Following highly successful events in New Zealand in 2008 and France in 2010; the Third International Blackcurrant Conference will be held in Dundee, Scotland from 16-18 May 2012.
It is being hosted by the International Blackcurrant Association and The James Hutton Institute in association with GlaxoSmithKline and Mylnefield Research Services Ltd.
The 'Ben' series of blackcurrants, which account for ca. 50% of the global production, were bred at The James Hutton Institute.
Full programme now available
Tuesday 15 May
Registration opens 12pm and Civic Reception at Dundee City Chambers
Wednesday 16 May
- Conference Opening and Welcome: Jim Grierson, President of the International Blackcurrant Association and Michael Dunsire, Chairman of the 2012 Conference Organising Committee
Session 1: Breeding and Agronomy (Chair, Graham Neale, Mylnefield Research Services, Scotland)
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Dr Rex Brennan, James Hutton Institute, Dundee, Scotland
Blackcurrant breeding and research at the James Hutton Institute -
Dr Cath Snelling, New Zealand
Low chill blackcurrant cultivars from New Zealand -
Dr Stan Pluta, Poland
The Polish blackcurrant breeding programme -
Dr Jerry Cross, East Malling Research, Kent, England
Controlling blackcurrant pests -
Geoff Langford, Plant & Food Research, New Zealand
Controlling gall mite in blackcurrant plantations in New Zealand -
Dirk Herdieckerhoff, Germany
Issues affecting growers in 2012 season
Session 2: Annual Production Review (Chair: Svend Jensen, Danskebae, Denmark)
- Production estimates for 2012
Afternoon visits
- Visit to Bruce Farms (blackcurrant growing) or
- Visit to Mackays (production of high quality fruit preserves)
Evening Buffet Supper and Ceilidh - Adamston Farm
Thursday 17 May
Session 3: Health Benefits (Chair: Dr Rex Brennan, James Hutton Institute, Scotland)
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Professor Derek Stewart, James Hutton Institute, Dundee, Scotland
Research at the James Hutton Institute -
Tony Jacobs, Berry Pharma, Germany
Production and marketing of blackcurrant functional extracts -
Bill Floyd, General Manager of the International Blackcurrant Association
Pioneering blackcurrants in Japan: the Four Leaf Case Study -
David Eder, Japan Food and Chemistry, Japan
Quality guardianship: Growing blackcurrants for the Japanese consumer
Session 4: Blackcurrant Production (Chair: Rob Saunders, GSK, England)
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Dr Anita Sønsteby, Bioforsk, Norway
Temperature effects on blackcurrant production -
Anthony Snell, England
Growing and marketing blackcurrants in the UK -
Vivian Powell, Horticultural Development Company (HDC), England
Review of agchemical use and SOLA scheme -
David Booty, Omex, England
Developments in nutrition and plant health for fruit production
Afternoon visit to the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie
Evening Conference Dinner at Fingask Castle
Friday 18 May
Session 5: Marketing Initiatives (Chair: Michael Dunsire, GSK, England)
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Caroline Fredj, GSK, England
2012 Ribena brand advertising in the UK -
Stephen Taylor, Winterwood Farms Ltd, England
Growing and marketing of blackcurrants for fresh market sales to multiple retailers -
Paul Grant, Mackays, Scotland
Manufacturing and marketing blackcurrant jam -
Jo Hilditch, Blackcurrant Foundation, England
Promoting blackcurrant consumption in the UK -
Lesley Larg, Thorntons, Scotland
Branding and health claims of blackcurrant products -
Bill Floyd, President of the International Blackcurrant Association, New Zealand
Concluding remarks and conference close
Registration
Booking is now closed. For enquiries please contact Anne Rendall.
Conference venue and accommodation
The conference venue is Apex City Quay Hotel in the city centre. We have secured rooms at a preferential rate and you can book directly using the promotional code SCR1605 or go directly to our online accommodation booking page.
Please note that if you book direct with a hotel, rather than via our booking service, the cancellation policy is likely to be poorer (although you may sometimes secure a cheaper room fee): we advise you to check this carefully.
Getting to Dundee
Dundee is on the east coast of Scotland, midway between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The Apex City Quay Hotel is in the city centre.
Regular trains from Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and other UK cities run to Dundee. Further information can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Air France runs regular flights between London City and Dundee airports as part of its CityJet service. Flybe flies to Belfast City and Birmingham International airports from Dundee. The nearest international airport is Edinburgh Airport.
Free airport transfers
A free airport coach transport service is available via Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau from and to Edinburgh Airport. To book your seats please go to the booking page and login using the details below:
- Login ID : DNDTIBC2012
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Password : blackcurrant
Visitor information
Dundee and the surrounding area have lots of attractions including the RRS Discovery, Verdant Works, McManus Galleries and Broughty Ferry Castle. The famous university and golf town of St Andrews is just across the Tay and the glens and mountains of Angus are within easy distance.
Find more information on the delegates page of the Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau website. Delegates at the conference will all be issued with a Delegate Passport which gives access to discounts and offers in restaurants, visitor attractions, culture and art events held in the area and much more. Even if you arrive in advance of the conference you can still benefit from these fantastic offers before you get your own passport by quoting 'Delegate Passport'. Look out for your passport in your delegate bag.
Conference sponsors
We would like to thank all of our sponsors who have contributed to the costs of bringing the conference to Dundee.
