Tesco has selected potato supplier Greenvale AP’s Vales Sovereign as its top potato in creating wedges in its new Ideal For range, which selects the best varieties to bring about perfect cooking results every time.
Tesco developed the Ideal For range after research showed that many customers didn't know which potato variety to buy for which type of cooking process.
Tesco selected Vales Sovereign for its “classic large oval shape and attractive red blushes to the skin, creamy taste and soft and velvety texture”, the supplier claims.
Vales Sovereign was bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute to be resistant to diseases and grow well in a wide range of weather conditions.
This makes Vales Sovereign especially attractive for growers as it is more environment-friendly than other varieties, requiring less water and less fertiliser.
Tim Pratt, produce technical manager for Tesco, said: "Vales Sovereign is something new to put in the potato section. By working in partnership with Greenvale we have introduced a highly successful new potato variety.”
Paul Coleman, technical director at Greenvale, said: "Vales Sovereign is really taking off. It's the most successful new variety for decades. Being chosen as an Ideal For potato is another feather in its cap after being chosen as Tesco Variety of the Year in 2008."
Sales of Vales Sovereign are growing rapidly from a base of 15,000 tonnes, with Tesco planning for 60,000t over the next 18 months.
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