The traditional British potato varieties have to give up more and more ground to modern French potato varieties from the mainland. This is apparent from acreage figures from the British organization AHDB. A changing table potato market is causing acreage reductions.
AHDB Potato, the government organization for British potato cultivation, estimates the provisional acreage at 117.300 hectares. That is a decrease of 4,4% compared to 2017, when 5.500 hectares more were planted. Compared to the previous estimate (August), the acreage has been reduced by 2.100 hectares. In addition to an overall lower trend in the sector, poor pricing has also resulted in fewer potatoes being planted this season.
Traditional varieties are declining
The largest variety remains the British variant of Bintje: Maris Piper. The acreage amounts to more than 15.000 hectares, which means a minus of more than 8%. The variety shows a decline for the third year in a row. Markies is in second place with a considerably smaller acreage (2 hectares), which means that it shows a decrease of more than 5.450%. The number 10, Maris Peer, has increased slightly with 3 hectares.
According to AHDB, the reason for the reduction at Maris Piper is the demand for specialist varieties. Customers no longer want a widely usable potato. The breed is also relatively susceptible to scab and rot.
Table potato market
Shifts in the table potato market for packaged potatoes also affect variety choice. For example, Harmony falls out of the top 20, with the area being halved. The table potato market is mainly satisfied with the Nectar variety, whose acreage increased by 16,5%. The Melody variety from Meijer Potato is also popular as a table potato, but the acreage fell by almost 16%.
An increase in the number of French fries and crisp potatoes on contract is increasing these varieties. For example, Innovator is now in 9th place with 2.760 hectares. Almost 11% acreage was added. Royal is slightly above this with 2.880 hectares. It is one of the biggest climbers in the list.
Agria . popularity
Agria is in 15th place with 2.000 hectares. The breed has regained popularity in recent years. Especially 'fish & chip shops' like to use the variety. In the United Kingdom, the breed is protected with a license, unlike the Netherlands. Well-known French fries varieties such as Fontane, Challenger and Ramos are significantly lower on the list.