Glens of Antrim Potatoes invests £250,000 to help take the guesswork out of buying spuds
Glens of Antrim Group, the potato, crisp and whiskey business based in Cushendall and Ballymena, has invested £250,000 in the development of a new range which aims to take the guesswork out of cooking by helping shoppers choose the right potato for every meal.
The ‘Perfect for….’ range is the outcome of two years of research and development, including extensive field trials across 20 potato varieties, to find those best suited to Northern Ireland’s unique growing conditions.
The range includes ‘Perfect for Roasties’, ‘Perfect for Chips’, and ‘Perfect for Creamy Mash’ – all designed to provide clear options for shoppers.
Michael McKillop, of Glens of Antrim Group, said: “The humble spud is a staple part of our diet, yet research has shown consumers remain confused by the many potato varieties available on the shelves, and which ones are best for different dishes. It’s an ongoing issue which the industry has been unable to address.
"To tackle this, we spent two years developing a retail range which puts the spotlight on the outcome – not the variety – providing clear and concise options to shoppers who simply want to make the very best mash, roasties or chips from locally grown potatoes.”
Three resilient, high-performing varieties were selected - Lady Terra, King Edwards and Kimi - each delivering consistent quality, reduced pesticide use, and improved outcomes for both growers and consumers.
Lady Terra, which is lesser known in the Irish market, but has shown excellent adaptability to local conditions, produces a smooth, creamy texture which is ideal for mash.
Another less familiar variety, Kimi, has been selected for the chip pack, and is particularly aimed at those using air-fryers. Closer in taste and texture to the classic ‘chip shop’ style, it is also said to be four times healthier than frozen chips, which may contain additives and preservatives.
To further help customers get the best from their chosen potatoes, Glens of Antrim has partnered with local chef Stephen Ferris, who is currently heading up the recently relaunched Margot restaurant in Belfast.
Through this collaboration, consumers can scan a QR code featured on every pack in the ‘Perfect For…’ range to access exclusive online content from Stephen, including chef’s tips, seasonal hints, and meal suggestions tailored to each potato type.