As the holiday season approaches, potato supplier Branston has unveiled a new hybrid potato variety—aptly named Nemo—that promises faster cooking times and a superior taste, meeting increased demand for roasting potatoes during the winter months. Nemo, developed over a span of nine years, combines the best characteristics of the red-skinned Franceline variety and a fast-cooking Peruvian potato known as Inca Bella. This innovative combination reduces cooking time by 25% compared to traditional white potatoes, catering to consumers who prioritize both convenience and flavor.
A Holiday Roasting Powerhouse
Demand for roasting potatoes typically surges by around 500% during the holiday season compared to standard weeks, making it a critical period for potato suppliers. According to Branston’s Sales and Marketing Director Lucia Washbrook, “Nemo is a fantastic roaster, which has scored higher than traditional favorites like Maris Piper and King Edward in taste tests.” Beyond roasting, Nemo also performs well when mashed or baked, demonstrating impressive versatility for various cooking methods. Branston has doubled Nemo’s production this year, ensuring a steady supply to meet holiday demand across select Tesco stores.
Unique Qualities of Nemo: Cooking Time, Flavor, and Sustainability
One of Nemo’s standout features is its distinctive skin—a blend of pink and yellow that resembles the pattern of the well-known cartoon fish, which inspired its name. However, the potato’s visual appeal is only part of the story. As a hybrid phureja variety, Nemo is engineered from the Solanum tuberosum Solanaceae family, combining the robust traits of European potatoes with the rapid growth and hardiness of Andean potatoes from Peru. This genetic composition also provides Nemo with a more homogeneous cell structure, resulting in quicker cooking times and a smooth, golden-yellow flesh.
Sustainability remains a core focus for Branston, with Nemo grown using less water and fertilizer compared to conventional varieties. This aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals to make potato farming more eco-friendly. “Customers’ needs lead development at Branston, but sustainability is always at the forefront of our innovations, and Nemo is no different,” Washbrook explained.
Exclusive Availability and Holiday Appeal
In line with its premium positioning, Nemo will be available as part of Tesco’s Finest line, but only in limited locations throughout the winter. Lucy Moss, Tesco’s Potatoes Buying Manager, emphasizes Nemo’s excellent roasting performance and quick cook time, making it an ideal choice for holiday meal preparation. “The speed of roast versus other varieties is a key highlight for Nemo, especially helpful when planning alongside your Christmas meal,” Moss shared.
The introduction of Nemo underscores a growing trend in the produce industry—meeting consumer demands for both flavor and convenience while staying mindful of environmental impact. With its faster cooking time, rich flavor, and eco-friendly benefits, Nemo offers a compelling option for consumers and retailers alike during the high-demand holiday season. As the market for sustainable and high-quality produce continues to grow, hybrid varieties like Nemo could pave the way for further innovation in the potato industry.
