The Nemo potato, a striped red-and-white variety developed by UK supplier Branston, has returned to supermarket shelves across the United Kingdom following high consumer demand. The variety, known for its reduced cooking time, will see an 87% increase in stock compared to last year, with 1.2 million units distributed across Tesco stores nationwide and online.
Developed over nine years through a cross between Inca Bella and Franceline varieties, the Nemo potato takes its name from its distinctive striped appearance, which resembles the clownfish from the animated film Finding Nemo. The variety was bred to combine taste and practicality, with a cooking time reportedly 25% shorter than that of standard roasting potatoes.
According to Branston, the development process was driven by both consumer and retailer feedback. "We're delighted to be scaling up Nemo so that more shoppers can enjoy this fantastic variety," said Lucia Washbrook, sales and marketing director at Branston. "Consumers are increasingly looking for convenience, and Nemo delivers on both taste and practicality. With a reduced cooking time, it's a potato that not only offers a great eating experience but also meets the needs of busy households."
The company noted that the shorter cooking time results from the inclusion of Andean phureja genetics, producing a more uniform cell structure that allows faster heat transfer during cooking. To accommodate demand, Branston has worked with growers to select optimal land for cultivation and adjusted its factory operations to manage higher processing volumes across its Lincoln, Somerset, and Perth facilities.
Tesco's potato buying manager, Lucy Moss, said the variety continues to perform well with customers. "The Nemo potato has been popular since it first hit our shelves four years ago, and our customers have shown that they love this tasty variety. As the Nemo season coincides with the colder winter months and the run-up to the festive period, it's the ideal time to indulge in comfort food that doesn't take hours to prepare," she said. "We've worked closely with our supplier Branston and its growers to ensure we can continue to deliver a great quality potato, and this year we'll have more than ever for our customers."
Branston's expanded production reflects ongoing consumer demand for versatile potato varieties suited to modern cooking habits, particularly those that reduce preparation and energy use in home kitchens.
Source: Potato News Today
