Chinese-Scottish potato collaboration shortlisted for business award

"Our work with Xisen has a clear focus on improving the yield and reducing losses of potatoes grown in China, however the lessons learnt will have potential applications throughout the world"

A potato research partnership between Xisen Group and the James Hutton Institute’s commercial subsidiary, James Hutton Limited, has been shortlisted for a China-Scotland Business Award in the Business-Education Collaboration of the Year.

Formally unveiled in 2014, the collaboration seeks to establish a laboratory aiming to breed new varieties and conduct research related to disease and pest resistance. The link-up joins one of Europe’s largest centres for potato research and breeding, and China’s largest producer of seed potatoes and manufacturer of processed potato products.

Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited, said: “We are pleased that our collaboration with Xisen has been shortlisted for this prestigious business award.

“Our work with them has a clear focus on improving the yield and reducing losses of potatoes grown in China, however the lessons learnt will have potential applications throughout the world. It is highly innovative in that it requires a multi-disciplinary approach, encompassing both academic and commercial expertise.

“There is a two-way flow knowledge flow between Scotland and China. This involves sharing ideas for new product development.

“For example, there is interest in Scotland in novel Chinese potato products such as potato juice, potato bread and raw potato salad utilising different coloured potato varieties which could open up new domestic markets.”

The China-Scotland Business Awards are hosted by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) in partnership with the University of Glasgow as well as the support of the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Airport and The Herald.  The categories of the awards are:

• Business-Education Collaboration of the Year
• Established Scottish Exporter to China of the Year
• New Scottish Exporter to China of the Year
• Chinese Investor/Entrepreneur in Scotland of the Year
• 'China Welcome’ of the Year

Winners of the awards will be announced during CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper, on 1^st February 2018 at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.