The Potato Council has published a new industry description for new potatoes, which it says will re-establish the importance of the potato type among producers.
Part of the new description recommends that they be sold soon after harvest and that new potatoes must possess an immature thin or scraping skin.
“It is good to see Potato Council taking the lead on finding a simple way to define new potatoes,” said Potato Council board member Bruce Kerr.“Over time the original meaning has become vague. This is a chance to re-establish the new potato and help shoppers recognise the added value of the product.”
Furthermore, the Potato Council says it will consider switching the title of baby new potatoes to baby potatoes.
Caroline Evans, Potato Council head of marketing and corporate affairs, explained: “Small salad potatoes need to be available all year round, as they are a quick and tasty option. Shoppers enjoy the product and will continue to do so, however, the solution can be as simple as dropping ‘new’ when not in season and, for example, retailing packs of ‘baby potatoes’ rather than 'baby new potatoes'.
“Over time we’ve lost the seasonality of the new potato, which means we can miss out securing premiums for the crop. A refined description of a ‘new potato’ means shoppers will know when they’re enjoying them at their seasonal best.”
Over the last decade, there has been a 17 per cent increase in salad and new potato sales in the UK.
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