Co-op introduces seasonal British potato variety packs across stores

Co-op has introduced new 'best of season' potato packs across its stores, becoming the first United Kingdom convenience retailer to adopt a seasonal variety approach designed to support British potato growers and maintain year-round domestic supply.

The new retail range includes Roasting, Mashing, Baking, Salad and Everyday potato packs, with each pack containing a single potato variety selected for its suitability for a specific cooking method. The varieties will change throughout the season to ensure the best quality potatoes are used at different times of the year. The varieties featured in the programme include Jelly, Tyson, Karelia and Maris Piper.
 

Supporting British Potato Production

The new approach reflects growing challenges faced by United Kingdom potato growers, including weather pressure, production reliability and rising input costs. Co-op stated that some long-established potato varieties no longer provide consistent year-round quality and can be difficult to grow reliably in the United Kingdom.

The retailer added that newer potato varieties can offer higher yields, lower input requirements and improved resistance to pests and diseases while helping maintain quality for consumers and strengthening the domestic food supply chain.

Alex Godfrey, Chair of GB Potatoes:

"The move by Co-op recognises the quality of British-grown potatoes and supports the long-term sustainability and profitability of UK potato production. With potatoes offering versatility and excellent value for money, helping consumers understand that different varieties are suited to different uses is a positive step that will strengthen the category."

Scott Saunders, Senior Buying Manager for Potatoes at Co-op:

"We recognise that UK growers have been under pressure in recent years – by switching to newer, more resilient British varieties and focusing on how potatoes are used, we can offer more consistent quality, reduce waste for our members and customers, as well as offer greater flexibility for growers."

Seasonal Variety Transitions

The Roasting packs will feature Maris Piper during its peak season before transitioning to newer varieties such as Tyson and Karelia later in the year. Everyday potato packs will contain white potato varieties selected for versatility across multiple cooking methods.
 

Retail Trials with Greenvale

The programme follows a year of in-store trials and consumer taste panels conducted together with potato supplier Greenvale. The trials focused on testing quality, flavour and cooking performance across different potato varieties.

Sean Liddell, Growing Manager at Greenvale:

"Towards the end of the season, potato quality can become less reliable, and retailers often rely more heavily on imports for more specific named varieties, while waiting for the new crop to be ready. By embracing newer varieties, we can allow for greater flexibility and ensure shoppers enjoy consistently good quality, UK grown potatoes all year round."