Spain: Malaga's new potato returns to shelves this week

Ibérica de Patatas, Spain's leading potato marketer, will once again distribute Malaga's new potatoes, the first Spanish potato of the season. The product will be back on the shelves of supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide this week.

"Malaga's new potatoes are a unique product which, on the one hand, add variety to the range of potatoes available at this time of the year, which are mostly long-life potatoes from France and new potatoes from Israel and Morocco, and on the other hand, they serve to promote the consumption of seasonal local produce," stated sources from Ibérica de Patatas.

More than 700 tonnes are expected to be sold this campaign, "as consumers increasingly appreciate the flavour, quality and freshness of Malaga's new potatoes."

A few years ago, it was very hard to purchase this variety from large distributors, as it is a very fresh product with a much shorter shelf life than other potato varieties. "Ibérica decided to launch them for the first time in 2008, aided by its know-how and the infrastructure required to ensure the product's distribution in optimal conditions of quality and presentation."

 

Ibérica de Patatas' initiative for the large-scale distribution of Malaga's new potatoes, as well as the great popularity they have acquired amongst consumers, have contributed to a boost in the crop's expansion in the area. In fact, Ibérica de Patatas sells the seeds to the province's growers, and since the product's launch at large retailers 6 years ago, production volumes have grown by around 30%.

New potatoes are easily identified: the skin peels off easily, and when fried, it presents a less intense yellow and a crunchier texture. It is rich in carbohydrates and a very important part of a healthy diet. Nutrition experts recommend consuming potatoes daily, along with vegetables, as well as in salads or purées.

Ibérica de Patatas is Spain's leading potato marketer, with 129,000 tonnes sold in 2013.

For more information:
IBERICA DE PATATAS
Carretera Villaverde-Vallecas km 3,800
MERCAMADRID, Plataforma Baja, nave B-4 Madrid, Spain