KWS Announces New Route To UK Market For Its Sugar Beet Varieties

Making the announcement, KWS Head of Sugar Beet Division, Peter Hofmann acknowledged that as one of the leading cereal breeders in the UK CPB-Twyford would be well known to beet growers.

“The appointment is in line with our worldwide strategy to centre our activities in our fully owned subsidiaries,” he said. Mr Hofmann also thanked current long term KWS agent Michael Coy of ESB. “Michael and his family have made an immensely successful contribution to KWS sales in the past and we wish them every success in the future,” he said.

Mr Hofmann confirmed that the business was currently seeking to appoint a sugar beet specialist to take on the responsibility for KWS sales within the UK to support the UK beet industry.

“Even after the new sugar regime changes, we are convinced that the UK will continue to be one of the important sugar beet markets in Europe and KWS is looking to provide an even stronger presence in the UK market,” he confirmed.

However, in the meantime, prior to the new appointment, overall responsibility for strategic and marketing issues will be handled by KWS’ Regional director for North Europe, Jörg Philipps.

Jörg Philipps underlined KWS’ strong commitment to the UK market and sugar beet growers. He is convinced that the company’s current portfolio of standard and Rhizomania resistant varieties is well placed to contribute to successful sugar beet growing in the UK.

“Based on very intensive breeding and research activities for more than 150 years, KWS is able to launch new varieties every year,” he said. “Higher yields and better disease resistance are our major goals in ensuring a profitable future for UK farmers.”

Mr.Philipps explained that the new UK KWS Sugar beet team – which is represented by James Kennedy, Angus Kennedy, Martin Lainsbury and Lee Bennett - will provide a comprehensive technical service and advice for beet growers and the sugar industry.

The team has considerable experience in sugar beet growing and will provide a strong package of advice,” he said.

As part of this new arrangement KWS will be presenting its sugar beet varieties at plots on the CPB Twyford stand at Cereals 2007, Stand No. 814.

“We are confident under the new structure that KWS will continue to contribute to the successful production of sugar beet within the UK,” said Mr Hofmann.

Contacts:-

Jörg Philipps

Phone: 0049/5561/311-628, E-Mail: j.philipps@kws.com

James Kennedy: Technical advice in the area: Lincolnshire, North and West Norfolk, and North Cambridgeshire. Newark and Wissington Factories

Phone: 07813 662847, E-Mail: jjscountrylife@aol.com

Angus Kennedy: Technical advice in the area: Cambridgeshire, Bedfordfordshire and South Suffolk. Wissington and Bury St. Edmunds Factories

Phone: 07976 610838, E-Mail: ask@wak2.fsnet.co.uk

Martin Lainsbury: Technical advice in the area: South and East Norfolk, North Suffolk, Cantley Factory

Phone: 07985 725423, E-mail: martin_lainsbury@yahoo.co.uk