POTATO growing may not seem like the most hi-tech business from the outside, but one Ilminster-based farm is using the latest in robotics to master the art of spuds.

Branston’s South Somerset farm produces more than 70,000 tonnes of potatoes every year, supplying to UK’s biggest supermarket, Tesco.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston, recently outlined how they are using the latest technology to ensure they deliver the the best products.

He said: “Our contract with Tesco gives us the ability to invest with confidence in all our sites, including Ilminster.”

The company has recently spent £500,000 on new equipment for gentle handling of potatoes.

“We are also working with manufacturers for more accurate grading.

“We have technology which was first invested in the South West called warm store that we are now rolling out across the UK.”

This allows Branston to control the temperature and humidity of their spuds for more of the process.

The company is even using infra red scanning of potato fields to now how their potatoes are doing before they have even been dug up.

Andrew Yaxley, chief product officer at Tesco, said: “While Tesco is just one part of the community in Somerset, we recognise that we have a responsibility to serve the local community the best way we can.

“That means for suppliers like Branston, we aim to be more than just a customer and instead become a genuine partner, providing access to new markets by helping to grow consumer demand, and fostering innovation and investment.”