SuperValu has forecasted that it will sell €2.5 million worth of new Irish potatoes this year, as overall potato sales across its store network is set to reach €37 million this year.
Demand for locally produced and sourced variants like Queens and Homeguards is growing this year and SuperValu expects that there will be a 10% rise in new potato sales compared to 2019 figures, the retailer said.
SuperValu said that it expects to source approximately 150 tonnes of new season Irish potatoes during the summer season.
One of SuperValu’s main potato suppliers is K&K Produce, which is run by the Kennedy family and is based in St. Margarets, Co. Dublin.
The second-generation vegetable grower has been supplying potatoes to SuperValu stores since the 1980s and currently supplies its delicious, locally-grown produce to SuperValu’s Own Brand new potato range.
“The Kennedys are longstanding suppliers to SuperValu, and we will continue to work with them and other growers to deliver that great Irish staple, the new potato, to our customers," said Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu.
Homegrown Irish Produce
Tommy Kennedy, owner, K&K Produce said that working with SuperValu has allowed it to expand its company and it now employs 80 staff.
"We pride ourselves on sourcing homegrown Irish produce and our partnership with SuperValu is a perfect match, as they are real supporters of local producers and businesses,” he added.
“We have also been quick to respond to evolving consumer trends and we were one of the first growers to introduce Baby Potatoes to Irish shelves," Kennedy said.
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