​Episode 190: Masterclass Interview – From Farm to Fryer with Patrick Clabon and Stuart Mitchell

In Episode 190 of the Ceres Podcast, hosts Stelios Theocharous and David Miller (of Millers in Haxby) are joined by two industry heavyweights: Patrick Clabon from HG Bliss Farms and Stuart Mitchell from Mitchells Potatoes. This masterclass episode dives deep into the intricacies of the potato supply chain, offering insights that stretch from farm fields to fryer baskets.

Patrick shares the realities of modern farming, detailing how unpredictable weather, rising input costs, and an 18-month crop cycle make every harvest a high-stakes venture. From planting decisions to the impact of fluctuating interest rates, Patrick paints a vivid picture of what it takes to deliver quality potatoes to the market. His candid insights highlight the stress many farmers face, including the ongoing struggle to balance costs with an unpredictable return on investment.

As the voice of the merchants, Stuart offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of balancing supply, demand, and pricing. He explains how overproduction in past decades has given way to tighter supply, with fewer but larger producers dominating the market. Stuart also addresses the delicate role merchants play, often acting as mediators between farmers and fish and chip shops, all while managing their own rising costs.

A key theme of this masterclass is the role of potato contracts. While contracts provide stability for both growers and shop owners, they also come with challenges—especially when market prices shift unexpectedly. Stelios likens them to hedging, where the goal is not to always win but to ensure predictability in a volatile market. Patrick and Stuart stress the importance of trust and ethics, sharing real-world stories of both the benefits and pitfalls of contracts in the potato trade.

David brings his expertise as a fish and chip shop owner to the conversation, sharing how shops can adapt to changing consumer habits. From portion control to offering value-driven meal deals, David discusses how shops can balance rising costs with the need to attract customers. The group also reflects on how younger generations’ tastes are shifting, with Stelios emphasizing the need for innovation and a strong social media presence to remain competitive.

This episode is more than a discussion—it’s a masterclass. Patrick, Stuart, Stelios, and David offer actionable advice for farmers, merchants, and shop owners alike, from embracing innovation to improving communication across the supply chain. As David puts it, “You can’t produce great fish and chips without great raw products.”

Whether you’re a farmer, a fish and chip shop owner, or simply a fan of the iconic British dish, Episode 190 of the Ceres Podcast is packed with valuable insights that will leave you thinking about potatoes—and the industry that depends on them—in a whole new way.