Crack the casual dining market with Aviko The fourth and final edition of our e-magazine, A Taste of Aviko, is now available on our website. In this issue we turn our attention to cracking the profitable casual dining market, and in particular we provide a range of delicious recipe videos to keep you ahead in the menu planning stakes.

As we enter the festive season where we share good tidings with our colleagues and loved ones, spare a thought for the millions of people around the world that go to sleep on an empty stomach.

The 2012 crop has been distinctly different from that of 2011 due to the completely different weather conditions. Last year there was a total of 30.5 million tonnes of potatoes in the 5 main European potato growing countries (UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France), more than enough to fulfil the market demand. However, this year the picture is different, with the total crop across these five countries amounting to just 27 million tonnes.

With temperatures plummeting and the sound of Slade seemingly everywhere, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is upon us! So begins the foodservice silly season, with chefs and caterers run off their feet at this famously busy time of year.

2012 saw us celebrate an amazing 50 years in the business, a huge milestone marking half a century of innovation and endeavour. The company has been transformed since 1962 from a small co-operative of 32 farmers, growing to become a European leader and one of the four largest potato processors in the world.

2012 has truly been a year to remember. From the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to the spectacle of the Olympics, Great Britain has had the time of its life. Our achievements may not have been quite on the same scale, but 2012 has also been a very successful year for Aviko with the introduction of Superlongs, Sweet Potato Fries, Herb Diced Potatoes and Hash Brown Bites!

The third edition is out! To celebrate without compromise, you can create a festive menu with the new Aviko Inspiration Magazine. Although times are tough at the moment, at Christmas, your guests are looking for indulgence. Everyone want to treat themselves to a festive meal, without having to compromise on quality or experience. Pasta and rice are popular items on modern menus, however, at Christmas time, potatoes are a firm favorite in their traditional as well as in their innovative guises.

At Aviko, we have spoken to UK consumers and an amazing 74% would order Sweet Potato Fries if they were on the menu. In addition to that, 76% think they would be great on a children's menu and most people (68% of respondents) view Sweet Potato Fries as a healthier menu option.

To mark Aviko's 50th anniversary, the European leader in potato products has launched a new digital magazine dedicated entirely to foodservice - 'A Taste of Aviko'.