Table potato variety Country gains traction in the German fresh market

Table potato variety Country is attracting growing interest in the German market. The need for a stress-resistant, high-yielding variety with good skin quality prompted Böhmer to start trials with Country in 2023.

Clemens Kisters, Field Advisor at Böhmer:

"Country has the whole package. Based on the promising results so far, we consider Country to be a valuable addition to our range."

In a market where climate conditions are unpredictable and demands for yield, robustness and appearance are rising, the search for a potato that truly stands out is ongoing. Country is one such variety: it combines resistance and high yield with an attractive skin and homogeneity. This has not gone unnoticed at Böhmer either. Field advisor Clemens Kisters, involved in the trials with Country from the very beginning, explains the company’s experience with the new table potato variety.
 

Fresh potato market demands strong appearance

Böhmer is a family-run company specialized in growing, packing and distributing potatoes and onions for the German retail market. With a share of around 75 percent, potatoes are the most important product group for the Mönchengladbach-based company. The main production areas in Germany include Lower Saxony, East Germany, Magdeburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Pfalz and Bavaria.

  Clemens Kisters:

"Spread across these regions, around 700 growers produce potatoes for us on an area of 5,500 hectares. From one of our seven strategically located packing stations, we wash and pack the potatoes locally and deliver them directly to supermarkets."

The company focuses entirely on the fresh table market, where the appearance of the potato is crucial. German consumers are known for their high standards.

Clemens Kisters:

"Our customers are critical of the skin quality of the potato. They prefer yellow, shiny potatoes without blemishes and are quite particular about imperfections. Besides the price, consumers buy potatoes based on their appearance and taste."

Country potatoes showing uniform tuber size and skin quality at harvest, supporting efficient sorting and retail presentation.

Promising results since first trials

Böhmer began testing the variety Country in 2023, conducting trials at five different locations across Germany. The decision to trial Country was driven by the need for a variety that could withstand drought, is strong against common skin blemishes and offers good uniformity in sorting.

Clemens Kisters:

"In addition, we need mealy cooking types in our range, which Country is."

In 2024, Böhmer expanded the trials and in 2025 the company planted the Country variety on even more hectares across various growing areas. The initial results are promising.

Clemens Kisters:

"Country appears to be a strong and easy-to-grow variety, producing a very homogeneous tuber size. This is an important advantage for sorting and packaging. We also found that the plant grows very fast and is a little earlier than other varieties we’ve been testing."

Field trials of the Country table potato variety under German growing conditions, where adaptability and yield stability are key selection criteria.

Challenging conditions and high standards

Looking ahead, Böhmer plans to expand the acreage of Country in the coming years and introduce the variety in new regions.

Clemens Kisters:

"Even on new land, such as former mining areas where irrigation is difficult and the soil is less fertile, we have good expectations for Country because of its adaptivity."

Böhmer’s goal is to identify varieties that can thrive under challenging conditions while meeting the high standards of the German market. Country is emerging as a high-potential potato variety.

Clemens Kisters:

"With its resistance to drought and diseases, high yield, fine sorting opportunities, great taste and attractive appearance, Country has the whole package. Our experience suggests that this potato variety can offer significant added value for growers, packers, retailers and consumers. We will be keeping a close eye on Country in the coming years."

Country suitable for every country

Country is a robust, tasty packing variety with a high marketable yield. With its strong climate adaptivity and homogeneous tuber size, Country (CMK2017-039-011) is positioned as a sustainable option for packers, farmers and traders. Security of supply for the entire value chain is a key consideration for the future.

The Country table potato variety, developed for high yield, homogeneity and strong skin quality for the fresh retail market.

Key traits

• Homogeneous marketable product
• Very stable across various soils and climates
• Virus Y resistant
• Not susceptible to skin blemishes
• Also suitable for making home French fries