potatoes

Scottish spuds have been smaller than usual due to poor growing conditions

Sainsbury’s has lowered its specifications on potatoes to help out Scottish growers following last year’s wettest summer in Scotland in over 100 years.

The big-four retailer admitted that a return of the rain this summer has meant that many Scottish growers are experiencing crops with smaller-sized potatoes and much higher levels of blemishing and scarring.

With varieties including Osprey, Maris Piper, Desiree and King Edward all in much smaller sizes than normal, Sainsbury’s potato buyer Julien Roberts said he has worked closely with Scottish producer Albert Bartlett to utilise as much of the crop as possible, while not compromising on taste.

He explained: “Our farmers across the UK have had a really challenging season due to the weather, that’s why we’ve committed to make use of all potatoes and other veg that meets regulations and stands up on taste.

“We have been working with Albert Bartlett since August last year to plan the potential effects that a wet season could have on the crop. This planning has meant British produce is available and customer demand can be met.”

Sainsbury’s move to support and sell imperfect potatoes has been backed by Albert Bartlett, which praised the collaboration and said it has reduced the need to rely on imports.

“Sainsbury’s has worked closely with us and our growers, allowing ‘misshapen’ and smaller potatoes to be packed on a large scale,” said John Heginbottom, sales and marketing director for Albert Bartlett.

Meanwhile, the Potato Council has predicted a smaller crop of British potato plantings in 2013. Initial predictions suggest that the overall crop will be 0.5 per cent smaller, with 121,200ha planted.

Wet, cold and windy weather has negatively impacted on many British growers throughout May and June, and Rob Clayton, director of the Potato Council, is keen to stress the challenges that growers face.

He told FPJ: “Potato growing is a capital-intensive and high-risk operation, with specialist supply chains working hard to deliver through the difficult season. With the 2013 new potatoes currently being lifted, it is good to see Sainsbury’s collaboration continuing with the remaining 2012 crop.'

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