Now Bartlett's pins his hopes on the colour purple for potatoes

THE gradual decline in potato consumption in this country – latest figures show a drop in demand of almost 8 per cent since 2004 – was highlighted yesterday by Ronnie Bartlett, of Albert Bartlett, Airdrie, one of the leading packers in the country.

He admitted that the present position was heading in one direction with many potato eaters coming from older generations.

His company's solution to the drop in consumption is to bring new varieties forward which consumers identify with and ask for. Over the past five years, he has successfully promoted the red skinned variety Rooster to the point where he is now selling more than 2,000 tonnes per week to a range of buyers including the top retailers in the UK.

Yesterday he produced a newcomer which may take a trick either with the younger generation or with those who conscientiously buy healthy food.

Purple Majesty will take the eye when it comes on to the supermarket shelves with its deep purple skin but it will also bring colour to the plate as the deep blue veining is carried right through the tuber.

If the variety, which was bred in the United States from a mix of South American native potatoes, takes off it will be possible to have purple chips but that is not the priority sales pitch.

Gillian Kynoch, who heads up development and innovation for the company, said: "It has really high levels of antioxidants. Higher than any other root vegetable so it is a really healthy eating potato.

"It is a very exciting prospect because the younger generation seemed to like its waxy distinctive flavour."

Last year, Bartletts grew an acreage on the Black Isle and they now have approximately 500 tones ready to go into the ground in its first commercial cropping year.