New classification system for UK wheat

A new classification system, developed for international buyers of UK wheat, was launched today, at the European Grain Bourse in Paris.

"Two new wheat brands have been designed to make it easier for buyers to purchase UK milling wheat," said Emma Jackson, HGCA's export marketing manager. "Any wheat sold under the brand will have to comply with strict quality regulations and so the customer can be sure that they will receive a consistent product."

The brands will be marketed as 'ukp, bread wheat' and 'uks, soft wheat', with wheat in each category complying with technical specifications.

• 'ukp' - a blend of semi-hard varieties to suit both EU and non-EU bread making.
• 'uks' - a blend of soft extensible varieties, well known throughout the EU for their biscuit making and bread blending characteristics. Useful for blending with hard high protein wheats.

"The customer will have a system for easily understanding the technical properties of the wheat they are buying," said Emma Jackson. "Wheat under each brand will have a rheological specification and will meet designated Chopin Alveograph values and protein levels. This will be used in conjunction with a physical specification for moisture, Hagberg and specific weight."

 "The brands will give a clear indication of the bread-making properties of the wheat, together with end use suitability. They will reduce the customer's need to understand specific varieties," said Emma Jackson. "Potential and existing customers of UK wheat have requested a simple system that they can trust to give them confidence that what they are buying will meet their expectations."

"Exporters of UK wheat will be able to use the brands as a marketing tool to compete directly with their main competitors" said Emma Jackson.

British Cereal Exports has worked with representatives from the UK and international grain industries to develop the brands.

For further information please visit www.ukwheat.com

HGCA's mission is to improve the production and marketing of UK grain, to increase its competitiveness in UK and overseas markets. To achieve this, HGCA provides market information, promotes exports, helps in the development of products using UK cereals and funds research and development on behalf of the UK arable industry.
The HGCA is a Non-Departmental Public Body established under the Cereals Marketing Act 1965, as amended, with the purpose of improving the production and marketing of cereals and oilseeds grown in the United Kingdom.