The new "Da komm' ich her!" potato variety "Benjamin" has been available on Billa shelves since the end of August. The market launch of this exclusive variety is the result of many years of cooperation between partners along the entire potato supply chain: from Austria, for Austria. The variety was bred by NÖS, grown and packaged by Lapro, and finally finds its way to consumers via Billa stores throughout Austria. In a three-part series of articles, all cooperation partners comment on this important milestone.
© Billa
(From left to right): Michael Buxbaum (Managing Director of the Lower Austrian Seed Cooperative NÖS), Benjamin Einfalt (BILLA buyer), Susanne Kirchmaier (breeder at NÖS), and Johann Regner (REWE Head of Fruit and Vegetables) are delighted with the new "Da komm' ich her!" potato variety "Benjamin".
A look at the variety's characteristics
The new Benjamin variety is a primarily waxy potato with a medium ripening period. The tubers are round-oval, medium-sized, and characterized by their light yellow to yellow flesh color. In culinary use, the variety is particularly well-suited as a classic side dish. But Benjamin is not only impressive in terms of taste but also in terms of plant cultivation: it is resistant to nematodes (RO1) and potato cancer (D1) – both essential characteristics in terms of sustainable and robust cultivation.
Twelve years until market launch
"It took around ten years from the first crossbreeding to registration in the Austrian variety list," reports Susanne Kirchmaier from the Lower Austrian Seed Cooperative (NÖS). Another two years passed before it was finally launched on the market. During this phase, Benjamin was tested under irrigation in the Waldviertel and Weinviertel regions, as well as in the Marchfeld region – areas of Austria where potatoes are traditionally grown. The results were impressive: Benjamin is high-yielding, has healthy leaves, and does not have any special agronomic requirements.
Attractive for producers and retailers
The new variety is particularly interesting for agricultural businesses. The combination of health, stable yield, and a firm place in the exclusive range offers many advantages. Kirchmaier emphasizes the planning security provided by exclusive marketing: "For our propagation businesses, this means greater clarity regarding the required planting areas and better sales security."
Future of the exclusive variety strategy
Will Benjamin remain unique? "If possible, we would like to continue along this path of exclusive variety marketing in the future," says Kirchmaier. However, this requires cooperation with strong partners along the entire value chain – as was the case with Benjamin.
For more information:
Susanne Kirchmaier
NÖ.Saatbaugenossenschaft
© Billa
Meires 25
3841 Windigsteig
Tel: +43 2842 52402
Fax: +43 2842 5402-41
[email protected]
www.noes.at
