Kerrs Pink potatoes originally bred by J Henry from Banff in the north east of Scotland more than 100 years ago, have been re-introduced at 34 Asda stores across Scotland following huge demand from shoppers.

The traditional Scottish variety has a white flesh with a high dry matter making them particularly popular for mashing, boiling, chipping and roasting. Kerrs Pinks first became popular with chippers in Scotland because of their fluffy texture when they are fried, and they still remain a firm favourite with West Coast chip shops today.

Sales of Scottish potatoes have already doubled at Asda this year thanks to a local sourcing initiative that has seen Ayrshire potatoes promoted throughout its chain of Scottish stores, and the supermarket hopes the demand for Kerrs will help lift sales further.

Mary Ling, Asda's regional produce manager said: "It's great to be able to re-introduce a popular Scottish variety that customers clearly want to buy from their local supermarket. It's part of our drive to increase the range of local produce available in all our stores."

Although many of the potatoes Asda sells are already grown locally in Scotland, until recently they weren't clearly identified as being Scottish. This year as part of a local sourcing drive the supermarket has launched a promotional campaign celebrating home-grown produce. All locally grown produce is now clearly labelled with the Scottish flag and actively promoted in store.

The core of Asda's potato grower base in Scotland is also now on transparent payment contracts. This gives growers the confidence and financial stability they need to invest in their businesses, plan more effectively and deliver the consistent supply of quality produce Asda's customers demand.

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