The Co-operative is introducing a new potato named after its founders as its looks to extend its Grown By Us product range.
The Pioneer potatoes, named after the Rochdale Pioneers who founded the Co-operative movement in 1844, are cultivated by The Co-operative Farms at Coldham in Cambridgeshire.
The new variety is intending for boiling or using in salads and can be eaten hot or cold. The name was chosen after a nationwide competition among staff, won by Andy Wailes who works at The Co-operative’s head office in Manchester.
Pioneer potatoes are the latest addition to The Co-operative’s expanding Grown By Us range - food and drink either grown by The Co-operative Farms, or made using ingredients grown by the business.
Christine Tacon, managing director of The Co-operative Farms, said: “Our Grown By Us range has been a huge success so far and is very popular with shoppers. Pioneer potatoes are a worthy addition to the range, and a great example of co-operation between The Co-operative Farms and The Co-operative Food.”
Neil Moorcroft, The Co-operative Food’s potato buyer, said: “We have worked closely with The Co-operative Farms to achieve new and exciting varieties of potatoes. These can often take years to develop, so we are very proud of the new Pioneer variety, and I’m sure the original Rochdale Pioneers would have been very proud as well.”
The Rochdale Pioneers are recognised as the founders of the Co-operative Movement. In 1844, 28 working men set up the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society and opened a co-op shop selling basic items based on core values of “honesty, openness and respect”.
Pioneer potatoes are available in around 250 Co-operative food stores throughout the UK.
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