Nueva Zelanda: The new low carb potato taking New Zealand by storm
A New Zealand low-carbohydrate potato has been on the market for just three weeks, but is already proving to be a major success.
T & G Global say they discovered the new variety, which has been labelled the Lotato™, by chance.
"It was bred in Holland by cross pollinating two existing varieties of potatoes," Executive General Manager Andrew Keaney said. "They were cross pollinated because they were high yielding, they had really good appearance and really good flavour. As a natural occurrence, quite by chance, it was found they were 40 per cent lower in carbs. When we compare the Lotato™, we compare with two commonly known varieties which is the Agria and the Rua potato. They weren’t specifically bred to be low carb, it was just by chance."
T & G Global says it had noticed a trend of people turning away from high carb products, including potatoes.
"People say they have stopped eating potatoes because of the carbs, they can feel full and tired," he said. "Those who have tried the Lotato say they don’t feel full and they have a lot more energy after they have eaten. It is an easier product to digest."
Lotatoes™ are only available in New Zealand, but T & G Global have received a number of enquiries from overseas including UK, Europe and Uruguay. But Mr Keaney says it is mostly from growers who want to purchase the seed to grow Lotatoes™ themselves.
The company has supply of the Lotato™ until the end of August, which is around 450 tonnes and is currently planting its next crop, which is expected to be harvested in October. It has an exclusive agreement with the Countdown supermarket chain and Mr Keaney says this product ticks all the boxes in terms of health and taste.
"We were worried that we were growing too much as an initial launch," Mr Keaney said. "Now we are generally struggling to keep up with demand. It’s created a lot of hype. I think the name Lotato™ has caught the imagination and people want to give it a go. It’s a flavoursome all-purpose potato."
T & G Global is also preparing to launch another healthy option potato in New Zealand early next year, so watch this space.
For more information:
Andrew Keaney
T & G Global
Phone +64 9 573 8700
info@tandg.global
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/178096/The-new-low-carb-potato-taking-New-Zealand-by-storm
