Tesco supports UK potato growers during covid-19 crisis
Tesco has begun supporting UK potato growers who have been left with surplus stock due to the closure of restaurants and fast food outlets during the covid-19 pandemic.
The lockdown has left growers with a large surplus of varieties that are used for making chips.
To help address the issue, Tesco has teamed up with potato supplier Branston to take potatoes that were previously destined for the catering trade. The supermarket said the ‘chipping varieties’ may have some skin blemishes but are “perfectly delicious”.
The potatoes will be sold as part of Tesco’s ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ range with packs carrying a sticker stating ‘I’m not looking my normal gorgeous self but I still taste great, buy me and support British farmers’.
Demand for potatoes has increased at Tesco since lockdown with sales growing by an average of 30% across UK stores.
Tesco potato buying manager Ben Rowbotham said: “Taking these surplus potatoes not only helps meet the extra demand at the moment but also supports growers at a time when many are facing a real struggle to keep their businesses going. “
