The global French fry sector is estimated at US$18 billion and projected to grow to US$24 billion by the end of the decade. In this context, Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has developed a new potato variety specifically for processing.
The research team, led by science group leader Samantha Baldwin, has been nominated as a finalist in the Commercialisation Impact category of this year's KiwiNet Awards. The awards recognise individuals, teams, and organisations turning publicly funded research into commercial outcomes.
The new variety, "Crop 78," is the result of nearly 25 years of breeding aimed at delivering benefits across the supply chain, from growers to consumers. Plant & Food Research business development manager Barry Cowen explained that the Russet Burbank has long been the preferred frying potato due to its size, shape, and cooking properties.
"But you never get the perfect potato, and the idea for Crop 78 started back in 2004 when growers were being told they could keep increasing their crop by simply applying more nitrogen fertiliser. It seemed unsustainable even then, and we started working on how to grow a lower-input potato," he said.
The breeding team worked with growers to address disease and storage challenges, using the institute's potato germplasm collection to cross varieties. The outcome, Cowen said, "ticks multiple boxes."
"It has a high tuber set rate, which is great for seed-potato growers wanting to maximise their yield, while for growers it has proven to deliver 36% high yield with half the standard nitrogen inputs. This frees up land and significantly reduces the crop's environmental impact."
Crop 78 has higher dry matter content, a desirable trait for frying, and an oval shape that produces more uniform chips. It can remain in the ground longer without sprouting, reducing harvest urgency and storage demand. Processors benefit from longer storage life, with reduced wastage from spoilage.
The variety is now used by Balle Brothers' Mr Chips brand and accounts for around 11% of New Zealand's French fry supply. Mr Chips processes 35,000 tons of potato products annually for domestic and export markets.
Cowen noted that Crop 78 could support growth in New Zealand's French fry processing sector and may also attract interest in countries such as India, which are major exporters. Licence fees from the variety will return to the Bioeconomy Science Institute to support further breeding work.
"We have quite a broad pipeline to work through over time," Cowen added.
Source: FarmersWeekly