Scotty Brand is celebrating the start of the new Ayrshire potato season, with the product on the verge of gaining Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
Ayrshire new potatoes are one of the symbols of the new potato season, and it's this status which has sparked the drive to register the name 'Ayrshire Early New Potatoes' and 'Ayrshire Earlies' as a PGI under the EU protected food name scheme.
It is hoped such a move would boost the product's presence over the Scottish border too.
Michael Jarvis, of Scotty Brand, said: “Ayrshire potatoes are well on the way to achieving PGI status, which will confirm the unique quality of Ayrshire new potatoes as a result of where they are grown and the skill of the farmers.
'This drive will hopefully widen the distribution of Ayrshire New Potatoes even further, putting them firmly on the map in the UK market. If granted, the PGI status will help to preserve the national and regional food heritage of Ayrshire new potatoes, as well increasing awareness of the product both locally and throughout the EU.”
The consultation on the application for PGI status is running from 13 May until 5 August.
Local farmer Drew Young delivered a tractor and trailer full of the cream of the crop to the local Morrisons store in Ayr earlier this week (w/c 6 June) to toast the start of the season.
The first yield of Ayrshire potatoes is one of the products that traditionally heralds the start of the new potato season. Ayrshire’s light sandy soil and sheltered beaches benefit from the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, allowing farmers in Ayrshire to be able to plant their crop a few weeks earlier.
Jarvis added: “Scotty Brand Ayrshire new potatoes are harvested and packed locally and can be in store as soon as two days after lifting. Ayrshire is such an ideal location to grow early potatoes and you can really taste the fresh, earthy and sweet flavour of a true Scottish potato.”
Morrisons Ayr store manager Allan Murdoch said: “We have listened hard to customers and what they want is fresh local produce in our stores as soon as possible. We work closely with Scottish farmers and producers to get the best of the season’s fruit and vegetables to our stores first. It was great to have Drew here meeting our customers as we know how eagerly awaited local Ayrshire new potatoes are.'
Early potatoes have been grown in Girvan since the 1850s. The season runs from now until early September.
Scotty Brand was first launched in 1948 by Albert Bartlett. Itsproduct portfolio includes potatoes, carrots, lettuce, prepared vegetables, Ayrshire new potatoes, salad pots, seasonal berries, bacon, smoked salmon and fresh soups.
No comments yet