Rising demand prompts opening of UK’s biggest potato mash factory

A surge in demand for mashed potato has prompted the opening of the UK’s “biggest” mash factory in Lincolnshire.

Branston, one of the UK’s largest potato suppliers, based in Lincolnshire, says it has worked with the supermarket Tesco to take the mash potato dining experience to the next level and has launched mash factory that created 80 jobs to help it fulfil its ambitions.

Branston reportedly has worked with Tesco food chefs to improve existing recipes and turn them into gourmet dishes.

Tesco said its shoppers bought one million more packs of fresh ready-made mash in 2023 than in 2022.

Demand for fresh mash started rising shortly before Covid but lockdown encouraged a revival of Brits cooking from scratch as they had more time on their hands, which led to whole potatoes becoming more popular.

However as lockdown ended and people started returning to work demand for the fresh, ready-made mash start rising again and has continued to increase as a direct result of the cost of living crisis with mash being seen as an inexpensive and heart-warming old favourite.

Demand increased further through the cost-of-living crisis, with mash seen as an inexpensive and homely old favourite.

While regular mashed potato is by far the most popular variety, it’s sweet potato mash that is currently creating the biggest stir with demand rocketing by more than 100 per cent in 2023 versus 2022.

Reports quoted Branston CEO Jim Windle as saying, “We are proud and very excited to have brought the latest world class food manufacturing technology alongside restaurant quality recipe design to uplift and elevate one of Britain’s best loved foods.

“Mash is one of Britain’s favourite comfort foods that needed a 21^st century makeover to delight and inspire customers across the new range.”