R.B.R. (Crops) Ltd - Ware & Seed Potato Merchants and Growers

RBR (Crops) Ltd: Specialist Potato Growers

Delving into the heart of Norfolk, nestled amidst the rural beauty of Carlton Farm, North Walsham, one discovers a cornerstone of the UK’s potato industry: RBR (Crops) Ltd. Beginning its journey in 1965, this establishment has been sowing seeds of excellence for over five decades, and its roots are deeply embedded in the ethos of passion, quality, and relationships.

The foundation of RBR Potatoes Ltd was laid by a trio of visionaries - Wal Richmond, Mike Brighton, and Eve Reeve. Before embarking on this venture, all three had lent their expertise as potato merchants in Lincolnshire, an experience that proved invaluable. In a span of just two years, they acquired Carlton Farm. Though it began as a fruit farm sporting humble wooden sheds, relentless dedication transformed it into a sprawling 12-acre facility, equipped with state-of-the-art refrigerated and ambient storage, grading and transportation facilities, and contemporary offices. Today, it is also flanked by 200ha of arable land, testament to the ever-growing footprint of RBR.

With such a rich history in the potato industry, it's no surprise that RBR has cultivated sturdy relationships across the board. From the UK’s leading supermarket chains to local growers dotted throughout the country, RBR's network is vast and interconnected. A testament to its legacy, Mike Brighton, one of the founding members, helms the operations as chairman. The baton of leadership has also been passed to the next generation, with his sons Mark and Stuart serving as company directors.

Central to RBR’s operations is its commitment to quality and diversity. A glance at their portfolio of potato varieties reveals a plethora of choices that cater to varied culinary tastes and requirements.

• Maris Piper: This variety stands tall, occupying 1 in every 5 acres of UK potato production. Its consistency has made it a favourite, producing white-skinned tubers with cream flesh.
• Desiree: A red-skinned beauty, this potato, with its light yellow flesh, is apt for both packing and processing.
• Estima: Hugely popular for pre-packing, this variety dons a white skin, enveloping light yellow flesh, and is a delight whether boiled, mashed, or baked.
• Eos: A boon for the environment, the Eos needs 20% less Nitrogen fertiliser than its counterparts. Its drought and stress tolerance are commendable, making it a choice crop for packing.

Varieties like Maritiema, King Edward, Marabel, Vivaldi, Rooster, and Maris Peer further enrich RBR's assortment, each bringing a unique texture, flavour, and culinary potential to the table.

RBR (Crops) Ltd stands as a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and hard work. Despite its expansive operations, at its core, it remains a family-run business, imbuing every tuber with love and care. For those who cherish the earthy delight that is a potato, RBR is not just a name; it's a legacy.