Potato Review

34 POTATO REVIEW JANUARY 2022 VARIETIES M eeting the needs of the whole supply chain, from growers and processors to retailers and consumers, is the gauntlet all new varieties have to run. Few make it, but a new table red is emerging as a very strong contender and is taking on some well-established varieties. Richard Arundel, Managing Director of AKP, a large potato supplier and processor whose customers include McDonald’s, KFC, McCain and numerous supermarkets, first saw the variety Manitou in trials more than six years ago “It looked so promising that we wanted, and got, exclusivity for its early days. We introduced it to Morrisons, who were our main retail customer at that point, and they took it on board, listing it as their preferred red variety.” Today, Manitou represents a significant proportion of AKP’S acreage. “We’re growing over 600 acres across our farms and those in our growing group,” explains Richard. “We’re selling it tomultiple as well asMorrisons. We’ve also got a reasonable tonnage going into the wholesale food Potato perfection: A red that has it all? A new table red is emerging as a future favourite with suppliers. service sector. It’s exciting times for this table red.” Manitou is a cross between Maranca and Laura and comes from the Mansholt Breeding Center. It is a red-skinned variety with yellow flesh and a long, oval shape. It’s breeder, Agrico, says it offers good yields and dry matter content. In good taste “Reds are already known for their eating quality and the taste,” said Richard. “They’re renowned for making good mashed and roasted potatoes. When Manitou is put against more traditional varieties like Desiree and Mozart it outperforms them in terms of taste. It’s also got this fantastic deep red colour, which gives it eye appeal on the shelf.” Manitou was the best-performing variety in a recent panel test at Abertay University, proving popular among the 100 participants. The testing panel assessed nine potato varieties for appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. Results showed participants loved its yellow flesh, creamy texture and a buttery flavour. While taste is important, it’s not the only criteria supermarkets are looking for. Trade Manager at Morrisons, Gareth Cosford, said: “Consistency is equally as important for consumers.” Persuading customers away from the old familiar names can be a challenge and is why Manitou is sold in a ‘best red’ pack by Morrisons. “When we’ve a portfolio of varieties that perform in the kitchen in a similar way. It Manitou favours fuller bodied soil types with good clay and mineral content. Gareth Cosford, Trade Manager, Morrisons