The Mitolo family will be the first Australian farmers to produce Europe’s popular potato variety, the Gourmandine.

Five years after launching Australia’s first low GI potato, the Mitolo family is again breaking new ground with the Gourmandine variety, which will be sold exclusively at Coles supermarkets across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria as of this week.

The Gourmandine seeds have been imported from France to the rich, red loam soils of South Australia’s Riverland and Adelaide Plains Districts.
 

Gourmandine, judged tastiest potato of France

The Gourmandine is a yellow flesh potato with a smooth waxy skin that has a unique nut-like flavour, perfect for pairing with salads, meats, roasts and bakes.

The three-time winner of the French “Taste of the Year Award”, which is reviewed by an independent consumer panel, the Gourmandine potato is held in high regard for its appearance, aroma, texture and flavour.

The new variety is the culmination of five years of extensive breeding by the Mitolo family at their property in Virginia to get this potato to commercial volumes.

Frank Mitolo, Managing Director
 

“By working closely with Coles, we have been able to invest in research, innovation and development for new potato varieties, packaging and customer marketing as well as $10 million into new machinery for potatoes and onions.”

Today, the Mitolo Group supplies Coles with more than 35,000 tonnes of potatoes and onions combined annually to Coles stores around Australia.

Gourmandine potatoes will be launched exclusively in Coles this week and will be available seasonally.

They come five years after the Mitolo family launched Australia’s first low GI potato, the Carisma, also in Coles stores.