Chipping in

Scots get through proverbial sackloads of potatoes – boiled, chipped, roasted and mashed.
Frozen chips have been a mainstay of retail food freezers for many years. And more recently frozen roast potatoes and potato wedges have become increasingly available. In fact the last couple of months has been a busy period for new products and even new brands in the frozen potato products market.

• Established foodservice supplier Aviko has launched four frozen potato products designed for retail.
Its Thick Cut Super Crunch Oven Chips, Rib Cut Sweet Potato Fries, Bite Sized Hash Browns and Herb Diced Potatoes are said to have been inspired by pub food.
General manager Mohammed Essa said: “We’re passionate about potatoes, having supplied the foodservice industry for over 50 years – in fact, most people will have enjoyed a portion of our fries or hash browns without realising it – so we’re excited to launch this range into retail.”
• McCain has expanded its range with the addition of new roast potatoes, sweet potato fries and microwaveable baby baked potatoes.

And it is backing its entire range with a new TV ad campaign and a renewal of its sponsorship of TV soap Emmerdale.
Category Controller Naomi Tinkler said: “Frozen can arguably be ‘fresher than fresh’ and as consumers become increasingly aware of food waste, frozen offers nutritious options from the freezer, saving money.”
• Albert Bartlett has entered the frozen potato products market with the release of three new lines – 900g and 1.5kg Homestyle chips and 750g Rooster Roasts – and more are said to be on the way.
The current launches are being supported by TV ads.
Head of marketing Michael Jarvis said: “We are entering a mature market but one where quality counts.
“We already offer top quality British potatoes for our fresh range and this expertise will be transferred into the frozen aisle.”