Ibérica de Patatas, Spain's leading potato trader, will soon start distributing new potatoes from Malaga, the first Spanish potato of the season. The product will be available from this week up until mid-May in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Spain.
The new potato from Malaga is a unique product that, on the one hand, adds value to the usual supply of potatoes at this time of the year, consisting mostly of potatoes for storage from France or new potatoes from countries such as Israel and Morocco; and on the other hand, encourages consumption of local seasonal produce. This campaign, more than 800,000 kilos of new potatoes from Malaga are expected to be marketed, with consumers increasingly appreciating them because of their great taste, quality and freshness.
Until a few years ago, it was very difficult to purchase this variety in supermarkets, as it is a very fresh product with a shorter shelf life than many other varieties. Ibérica de Patatas decided to start marketing new potatoes from Malaga in 2008, certain that its expertise and infrastructure would ensure the distribution of this variety in optimum quality conditions and with an attractive presentation.
Ibérica de Patatas' initiative to bring new potatoes from Malaga to large retailers, as well as the popularity they have reached amongst consumers, have helped boost the cultivation of this variety in the area. In fact, Ibérica sells seed potatoes to growers in the province. Since Ibérica introduced the product to retailers 6 years ago, production has increased by 30%.
The new potato is easily identified: the skin is easily removed and, when fried, it is not as yellow. Its texture is also crispier, and it is rich in carbohydrates. Experts recommend its daily consumption, along with vegetables, salads, vegetables and purées.
Ibérica de Patatas is Spain's leading potato trader, with sales amounting to 128 million kilos in 2014.
