Behind the Spud: An Interview with Provenance Potatoes

As a wholesaler, we're proud to work with suppliers who share our passion for high-quality produce and a commitment to their craft. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to one of our valued partners, Provenance Potatoes. In this interview, we sit down with director Tracy Bush to learn more about the team behind the spuds. From their hands-on approach to farming to their impressive zero-landfill policy, you'll discover what makes their potatoes so special—and why they’re a perfect fit for farm shops and Michelin-starred kitchens alike. Can you tell us your name and role within the business?

Tracy Bush, director. I take care of all the commercial side of the business such as purchasing, sales, and accounts. I also do HR, social media and as we are a small business, anything else that needs doing!

Jason, Tracy and James at the pack house

Tell us a bit about your farm/business and what you specialise in.

Provenance Potatoes was established in 2012 in partnership with a dedicated group of Kent growers, with a shared vision to create alternative markets beyond the traditional large retailers. From the beginning, our focus has been on cultivating potato varieties that not only cook beautifully but also thrive in the local soil and climate. Our ethos remains unchanged. We’re proud that the Provenance Potatoes brand is now enjoyed across the South of England—found in everything from farm shops and cafés to school canteens and even Michelin-starred kitchens. We are deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of our farming and business practices. As a collective, we’ve taken continual steps to lower our carbon footprint, care for the land we farm, and support the local economy through job creation and rural wealth generation. Sustainability, quality, and community are at the heart of everything we do.

What makes your produce so special and high quality?

We consistently deliver high-quality potatoes, 52 weeks of the year. What sets us apart is our involvement at every stage—from seed selection to the moment our potatoes reach the customer. This hands-on approach means we have complete oversight and understanding of what’s going into every bag. It’s this attention to detail, along with our close relationships with growers and customers alike, that ensures exceptional quality and consistency, year-round.

What's your favourite part about what you do?

For me, it’s all about the people and the purpose. I love talking to our customers and growers—those conversations are at the heart of what we do. But I also take real pride in making sure every potato has a home. My motto is “every tuber counts”—because I genuinely hate waste. We’ve worked hard to maintain a zero-landfill policy for our spuds, and I’m determined to keep that record going. Finding value in every tuber isn’t just good business—it’s the right thing to do.

What's your favourite product?

Our large Desiree as they are so versatile and tasty! They have a smooth, creamy tasting flesh which makes them a great all rounder. They can be baked, boiled, mashed, chipped and roasted. Their firm flesh means they hold their shape, perfect for curries and pies. They also make perfect Dauphinoise, wedges, mash, curries, pie, jacket potatoes, toppings for shepherds’ pie, fish pie and cottage pie, gnocchi, chips, roast potatoes…. What can’t it do!

Why do you enjoy working with FB The Wholesaler?

We really enjoy working with you because you're a genuinely friendly team, and it's clear you share our commitment to farmers and high-quality produce. That shared ethos and mutual respect create a strong partnership — and that's what makes a great team and a successful business relationship.

What's one thing most people don't know about your produce?

Potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space. 🪐🥔 In 1995, NASA and the University of Wisconsin–Madison created the technology to grow potatoes in space as part of a plan to feed astronauts on long space voyages. It was an experiment to study how plants grow in zero gravity and how they might help support life on Mars or other planets.

A big thank you to Tracy Bush for giving us such a fantastic look into the heart of Provenance Potatoes. It’s clear that their success is driven by a genuine passion for their produce and a strong commitment to their community and the environment. We’re grateful to have such dedicated partners, and we're so glad to be able to share their story with you.

What did you find most interesting about Tracy's interview? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to keep an eye out for our next supplier spotlight.