Irish Farmer Maria Flynn Prepares for a Soft Launch in the UK Market
Eight years ago, Maria Flynn, an Irish housewife from Ballymakenny Farm, began her journey into growing heritage potatoes with just one variety, Violetta. What started as a hobby has now blossomed into a thriving business. By 2024, Maria cultivates eight different varieties of heritage potatoes and is set to export her produce for the first time.
“We grow 20 different varieties on 20 acres. My husband grows the standard varieties while I grow the heritage ones,” Maria explained. “In the last few years, I’ve gone from doing this as a hobby to winning awards and being on TV with celebrity chefs! It was all going well until Covid hit and wiped out 100% of my market. During that time, we opened a drive-through—’Spud Shack’—to stay in business, which we are now looking to develop into a specialty tearoom and farm shop.”
Among the heritage varieties Maria grows is the Pink Fir Apple potato, a French-origin fingerling potato introduced to Ireland in the 1800s. “When you have varieties this old it is difficult to prove the history, but I can vouch for the taste. It is a fingerling potato with a very nutty flavor; it has been a big hit with the chefs in Ireland,” she noted.
With the Irish market now self-sustaining, Maria is ready to expand. “This year we are moving the business on as we have found a means to supply the UK market. We entered a collaboration with Patch Potatoes (McCreight Potatoes) who also specialize in heritage potatoes. Our varieties will be available on Patch Potatoes’ website to sell throughout the UK using an established network of couriers. Home growers can buy their seed potatoes from their website to grow themselves.”
Maria is enthusiastic about the collaboration with McCreight Potatoes. “We are really happy to be able to expand the business. This year will be a soft launch into the UK, as it has always been our plan to grow the business slowly, and we really look forward to working with chefs in London and beyond.”
This expansion marks a significant milestone for Ballymakenny Farm Heritage Potatoes, highlighting the potential for further growth and success in new markets.
