The early potatoes from the island of Noirmoutier have obtained the Red Label for the Sirtema, Iodea and Lady Christ’L varieties. Nicolas Paille, general manager of the cooperative, is pleased to have obtained this quality label. “We have been working on it for 10 years. Last November, we were officially validated. The packaging is ready and our clients have been informed. We are ready for the new campaign!”
Nicolas points out that the Red Label is awarded to superior quality products. “Freshness is guaranteed. 48 hours after the harvest, our early potatoes are already on the shelves. They have a melting and slightly sweet taste.”
This year, the cooperative hopes that 30% of the production will carry the Red Label. According to Nicolas, there is no big difference with the rest of the production. “Our general know-how was already very close to the Red Label.”
The new packaging
The Noirmoutier Coop will launch an intensive marketing campaign, with the publication of recipes online. In order to reach a younger clientele, the recipes will be adapted to the consumption habits of young professionals, who enjoy brunches and diner parties. The cooperative will present the new recipes at an event in Paris during the third week of May.
Patrick Michaud, president of the cooperative
First step
Nicolas explained that obtaining the Red Label was only a first step for the cooperative. “We have also an IGP application pending, in the last administrative stage. We hope to obtain it for the 2020 campaign.”
Zero pesticide residue
At the end of the campaign, the cooperative will also start on the zero pesticide residue. “We really like that this approach is transversal, adopted by more than 20% of the fruit and vegetable companies in France. Besides, this would highlight the efforts that we have already made to reduce pesticides. Today, we rarely use herbicides or insecticides from the plantation stage, and we have strictly reduced our use of fungicides.”
Producing at sea
Created in 1945, the cooperative of Noirmoutier now gathers 30 producers. It produces 12,000 tons each year, 500 tons of which are shipped all over Europe. The potatoes are cultivated exclusively on the island of Noirmoutier, on small plantations of 15 hectares on average. “Producing at sea plays a role on growth and salinity. On some of the production, we even place seaweeds collected on beaches after winter storms. It is mandatory for the Bonnotte variety, and it guarantees a sweet taste.”
For more information: 
Nicolas Paille
Noirmoutier Coop
Mobile: +33 (0)6 66 78 21 00
Phone: +33 (0)2 51 35 76 76
npaille@coopnoirmoutier.com
www.lanoirmoutier.com