Market segments
Meijer Potato breeds and markets potato varieties for three segments: table potatoes, crisping potatoes and French fry potatoes. We develop new varieties in response to the projected needs of the market. Our gene pool offers a wealth of traits that are of value for current needs and those of tomorrow.
“Our potatoes offer so much variation in terms of how they can be processed into food – there’s something for everyone to enjoy”.
- Erika den Daas
Propagation material & licensing
Meijer Potato conducts business in 60 countries around the world. Depending on the phytosanitary regulations and market needs, we deliver propagation material directly or work through licence holders who bring propagation material onto the local market.
Propagators
Meijer Potato works with more than 250 professional propagators in the Netherlands and France. We visit our propagators regularly, both in the field and on the farm. We share our knowlegde of the market and provide technical support. Our shared goal is to supply clients with high quality produce; customer satisfaction is a high priority. Together, we optimise potato propagation, focussing on improving results for both our propagators and Meijer. In order to do so, building up seeds and high quality starting materials are a pillar in our organisation. Our robust varieties have added value, because we offer varieties with resistances agains virusses, cyst nematodes and phytophthora, among others.
Tomorrow’s world
Change is one certainty in life. The world is changing and we breed potato varieties in response to those changes. We achieve this by keeping abreast of the latest changes along the entire potato value chain. We talk to and listen to various players in the chain to translate this into one clear vision for the future. As the development and market acceptance takes a long time, some 8-12 years depending on the market, it is important to make a distinction between trends and hypes. Hypes usually weaken or disappear within a few years. Meijer Potato makes an assessment of what will be important in ten years’ time throughout the potato value chain. It is on the basis of this vision that we determine how best we can respond as a company.
- Potato varieties that continue to give a stable performance in different climatic conditions
- Potato varieties for the highest yields in end product per hectare
- Potato varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases
- Potato varieties that are water efficient
- Potato varieties that are available all year round, both fresh and for processing purposes
“We know all the players in the potato chain. The insights we gain through our conversations with them form part of our vision for the future”.
- Johan van der Stee
Trend: climate change
Trust in robust varieties for stable yield and quality
The climate is changing and the extremes are growing. More drought, more rainfall in short periods and higher temperatures are examples of these changes. Meijer Potato breeds potato varieties that perform in different climatic conditions in terms of stable yield and quality. We call them robust varieties.
Trend: technological development
Innovative technology for faster development of new potato varieties
Technological progress leads to rapid change with exponential effects. Meijer Potato conducts innovation projects using the latest technologies. In pursuing these projects, technology is always a means to an end, such as the optimization of processes, improvement of cultivation methods, and scaling up production. Our participation in innovation projects allows us to not only develop tomorrow’s potato varieties, but continue to develop knowledge and insights that are of added value for our growers and customers.
Trend: demand for sustainability
Conscious usage of land and resources
The market requires products that are produced sustainably. A growing awareness of health and climate change influences consumer demands. In addition, we need need to be mindful about the land that we use to grow potatoes. Meijer Potato is aware of all this. We sell and develop robust varieties that can be grown and processed in the most sustainable ways.
Trend: population growth
Growing demand for potatoes in new markets
The world population is growing and this has led to an increased demand for potatoes and potato products such as crisps and French fries. Even in countries where potatoes are not traditionally seen as the staple food, the demand is growing. In the meantime, the potato as food crop now holds a 3rd position after rice and grain. The potato is very efficient in its use of water. This is why the consumption of potatoes is stimulated in some countries. Meijer Potato is inspired by market changes. As there is an increasing demand for potatoes in Asian and African markets, we develop varieties that can be cultivated successfully in other climatic conditions and different practical circumstances. We also observe the local demand from customers, so that we are able to adjust our variety development where possible.
– In comparison with other crops, potatoes generate much more food per litre of water. This is why the consumption and cultivation of potatoes is stimulated in some countries.
Trend: convenience
Making healthy and tasty food easier
In western markets the demand for healthy, fresh food that is easy to prepare is growing. In the potato section in supermarkets, potatoes that can be prepared quickly and don’t need to be peeled sell well. Our Jazzy variety makes fresh food preparation really easy. This potato does not require peeling, is prepared quickly and tastes fantastic.
