The Co-operative Group is set to launch a little known yellow-fleshed salad potato this week.
Called Corolle, it was originally grown in France, but has made a successful transition across the channel and is being grown for the first time by leading specialists Produce World.
The potatoes are being washed and packed at the company’s Sutton Bridge facility under the Co-op’s Premium range label as part of a three year agreement between the two companies.
Sold in 550g pouches, the potatoes will be easily identified in store and is aiming to add to customer interest with a special sachet of buttery mint drizzle included.
Simon Faulkner, Produce World’s technologist, said: “It’s well on its way to becoming commercial. We imported 25 tonnes of seed for 2004 planting and are already planning two and three times that amount for next year.”
Graham Nuttall, category buyer for the Co-op, said he recognised the product’s potential: “It not only widens customer choice in a significant sector, but gives them something very different.
“For this reason, it’s the first potato to be selected for our premium label range. It will be distributed from our Gillingham depot in Kent this month and rolled out nationally next year.”
Produce World said the potato has the capability of starting its UK season in late July and being extended until January or February. The company said it was still exploring the storage capabilities.
