Branston Showcases Next Generation Of Potatoes To Growers In Lincolnshire

Branston potato growers gathered in a field in Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, this week to preview the next generation of varieties that could soon reach supermarket shelves.

Among the highlights was a new salad potato, developed over the past decade, which is said to have a distinctive nutty taste, and the Inca Rosa, a quick-cooking white potato with pink eyes, described as ideal for making mash.

The event formed part of Branston’s annual field walk, which brought together growers from Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. It coincided with the UK Potato Breeders’ Days being held nearby.

Martin Stothard, Branston’s technical lead for seed, varieties and innovation, said the showcase offered a valuable opportunity for growers to see emerging varieties in the field.

“We’ve been showing a host of varieties that have been undergoing various trials, with some nearing completion for growing commercially in readiness to be packed up for supermarket shelves,” he explained.

“Our field walk event is a great opportunity to collaborate with growers by demonstrating the new varieties that are coming through and to exchange insights on topics such as yields and disease resistance.

“We are constantly searching for and developing new types of potatoes that will appeal to consumers. It’s a valuable chance for growers to get ahead of the curve in growing their own commercial crops.”

Analysing The Rising Stars

The trial plots, rented from GR Ward and Co, included 25 different varieties at stages ranging from early evaluation to semi-commercial development. Each is grown alongside a commercial crop before being graded and analysed in Branston’s laboratory. Data on yield, growing attributes and overall performance is then shared with growers.

Among the ‘rising stars’ was the salad potato developed with the James Hutton Institute in 2015. “It’s taken 10 years to go through trials, which is a standard timeframe,” said Stothard. “It’s got an impressive parentage, one of which is a high-yielding variety, and has a firm, waxy texture and nice nutty taste. We’re really proud of it.”

The Inca Rosa, drawing on Peruvian heritage, is notable for cooking in almost half the time of a typical potato. “The small plots on show to growers included salads, white and red varieties and are a really good test of how they will perform in the field and be produced on a bigger scale,” added Stothard. “Forward-thinking growers are looking for the next variety that’s a little bit different and can perform well in varying conditions. Our event is a great way of sharing knowledge.”

Branston’s buyers and agronomy specialists attended the showcase alongside John Worth, Tesco’s specialist technical and development manager.

“It’s always interesting to attend field visits and talk to growers and suppliers about the new varieties coming through,” Worth said. “There is some exciting innovation taking place and, as a company, Tesco has been working hard to get closer to growers so that we can offer the best quality potatoes to our customers.”

Branston, a key supplier to Tesco, is also a proud sponsor of the 2025 FPC Fresh Awards, which take place on 26 September at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.