Markies Potato Supplier

Quick Overview

Markies is a versatile, high-yielding potato variety renowned for its exceptional qualities in both processing and fresh consumption markets. This maincrop variety, developed by the Dutch company Agrico, has gained popularity worldwide for its reliability and adaptability to various culinary uses. With its yellow skin and light yellow flesh, Markies offers a visually appealing tuber that stands out in both commercial and home kitchens. It is particularly prized for its long-term storability, making it a favorite among growers and processors who need a dependable supply year-round. Whether used for frying, chipping, or table purposes, Markies consistently delivers excellent results, earning it a strong reputation in the potato industry.

Origin & History

Markies originated in the Netherlands, bred by Agrico, a leading potato cooperative known for its innovative research and high-quality seed potatoes. It was developed from a cross between the varieties Agria and Fianna, combining desirable traits like high yield and disease resistance into a single cultivar. Introduced to the market around the early 2000s, Markies quickly gained traction in Europe, particularly in the UK, where it became a staple for the fish and chip industry. In 2015, Agrico brought Markies to Kenya alongside other varieties, but it stood out as the only one to thrive, leading to its widespread adoption in East Africa for its adaptability to local conditions. Over the years, this variety has evolved from a regional success to a global contender, celebrated for its resilience and performance in diverse climates and markets.

Specifications

Markies produces large, oval-shaped tubers with smooth yellow skin and shallow eyes, contributing to its uniform appearance and ease of processing. The tubers typically mature late, requiring about 120 days from planting to harvest, which classifies it as a maincrop variety. It has a high dry matter content, averaging around 21.5%, which is ideal for achieving the desired texture in fried products. The plants grow tall and erect with white flowers, displaying good heat tolerance but requiring careful management for diseases like early blight, to which it is sensitive. Additionally, Markies exhibits resistance to several common potato ailments, including potato virus Yo, late blight on tubers, and the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis Ro1, though it is susceptible to Globodera pallida Pa2/3,1.

Key Characteristics

One of the standout features of Markies is its exceptional frying quality, attributed to its low reducing sugar content that prevents darkening during cooking and ensures a golden finish. It boasts excellent storability, maintaining its quality over long periods due to low sugar levels and good dormancy, which is crucial for year-round availability. The variety is also known for its high yield potential, producing large, consistent tubers that maximize returns for growers. Markies has a floury texture when cooked, paired with a light yellow flesh that absorbs less oil during frying, making it both flavorful and efficient for processing. Furthermore, its resilience to drought stress and low nitrogen requirements make it an environmentally friendly choice for sustainable farming practices.

What is the Potato Variety Best Used For? Potato Chips? Or Potato Starch? Or All-Around Table Use?

Markies is best known for its outstanding performance in producing potato chips (crisps) and French fries, making it a top choice for the processing industry due to its high dry matter and low sugar content that yield crispy, golden results. While it excels in frying applications, its qualities also make it suitable for potato starch production, as its starch-rich tubers can be processed efficiently into a high-quality, refined product used in various food and industrial applications. Beyond processing, Markies serves well as an all-around table potato, offering a floury texture that’s perfect for boiling, mashing, baking, or roasting, appealing to home cooks and restaurants alike. Its versatility allows it to adapt to multiple culinary needs, from fast food chains seeking perfect fries to households wanting a reliable potato for everyday meals. Overall, while Markies shines brightest in chip and fry production, its adaptability ensures it’s a strong contender for starch extraction and table use, making it a truly multi-purpose variety.

Supply Options

If the climate on our farm permits, we can cultivate Markies potatoes ourselves, leveraging its adaptability to diverse conditions and heat tolerance to ensure a robust harvest of this high-quality variety. Alternatively, we can source Markies through a trusted potato partner like Agrico, guaranteeing access to certified seed potatoes and expert support to maintain its exceptional standards. By growing it locally or partnering with reliable suppliers, we can provide a steady supply of Markies to meet demand, whether for processing, starch production, or table use, tailored to our customers’ needs.