Meijer Potato UK were again delighted to attend annual Isle of Ely Produce Open Day

Aye Aye Skippers!

By Terry Jones UK Sales Manager, Meijer Potato

Meijer Potato UK were again delighted to attend the annual Isle of Ely Produce Open Day, where fish and chip shop owners and suppliers met to discuss all things related to the trade. There were some interesting presentations from a number of shops who have sought to develop their offer in order to increase business and also maintain a working margin in these challenging times. We also heard from both the ware and seed trade, and the same pressures are being applied in terms of growing and crop storage costs. Some challenging times but there are always opportunities for those who seek to innovate!

Meijer Potato had several varieties on display, some of which are already available in the trade, but also some newer varieties for the coming years. Our Dutch breeding station is constantly searching for varieties that can give better results for growers and producers. Using less chemicals, fertilizer and water can help offset the steep price rises that we are all facing. Lady Jane is an example – a robust plant with good resistance to pests and diseases. In addition, it is reliable in store, so it fries well - and tastes great. Sustainable potatoes with top eating quality - it’s certainly a name to watch for in the future!

We also had some 25kg bags of Lady Terra ware to give away and many shops took some away to test and we were grateful to receive feedback from a number of them – it’s vital to know if our variety is producing a good chip. A sample photo sent by Andrew Crook at Skippers of Euxton in Lancashire looked superb, and we know Lady Terra is already on the radar of a number of shops in the north-west due to the quality of the local samples in the area. We also heard from George Morey of the award-winning Knight’s Fish and Chips of Glastonbury, Somerset. He thought the sample he used was of a decent size – but would prefer a little bolder – probably something we will see a lot of this season due to the growing conditions. They rumbled well to be clean with a minute, and apart from the odd green spot he thought the level of waste was minimal. Overall, they gave a good fry quality – the chip held well in the box and remained crisp.

Many thanks to Austen, John and Oliver for having us at the event, it’s great to have such strong contact with chip shops and we look forward to seeing many of you at the next event!

We are passionate about potatoes and their potential

For decades Meijer Potato has been breeding only the best varieties to suit the demands of the market.

We focus on ensuring reliable fry appearance, texture and flavour to give you a premium product. Helping you to deliver the perfect chip that both looks and tastes great!

Everybody deserves to enjoy food.

We are Meijer Potato

Accord

Early favourite, white fries and that fresh new season taste

Lady Anna

Great taste, less waste, premium fries

Lady Terra

A whiter fry with dry matter to extend that new season feeling

Bayfield Brecks Barns, Garden Lane Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DZ Tel: 01263 710602 info@meijerpotato.co.uk www.meijerpotato.co.uk