The long-term role of Maris Piper, one of the UK’s most recognisable potato varieties, was debated at the British Potato Industry Event during a session organised by GB Potatoes, highlighting growing uncertainty over the variety’s place in a changing production and retail landscape.

Arguing that Maris Piper may be approaching the end of its dominance was Katy Pook, Head of Brand & Marketing at Greenvale. She reminded delegates that the variety was bred nearly 70 years ago, primarily for resistance to potato cyst nematode, at a time when the structure of the UK food system was very different.

“It would be fair to say that the food and farming industry looked a little different then, than it does now,” she said.

Pook pointed out that when Maris Piper entered the market in 1966, smaller multi-crop farms supplying local markets were the norm, and compared its current position to the historical decline of the Majestic variety. “When Maris Piper arrived in the market in 1966, the variety Majestic accounted for 60% of the market, but its vulnerabilities to pests and disease and the rise of newer varieties led to its demise – doesn’t that sound familiar?” she said.

While Maris Piper’s resistance to PCN and consistent yields helped establish it as a staple, Pook argued that modern production conditions are less forgiving. “The sector is more industrialised, there are bigger and more complicated machines, greater pressure from pests and diseases with fewer chemical control options and more volatile weather against a background of greater assurance demands,” she said.

Maris Piper accounted for almost a quarter of the UK potato area in the early 2000s but now represents around 10% of total plantings, following a significant contraction in overall potato area. In fresh retail, its volume share has declined from 19.5% to 16.5% over the past four years. Pook also highlighted consumer dissatisfaction, noting that from March to July Maris Piper can account for around 40% of all consumer complaints, despite a much lower share of units sold.

She added that while consumers claim an attachment to the variety, Greenvale research shows that “93% of consumers who buy Maris Piper would simply buy other varieties if it wasn’t available on the shelves”. Retailers, she said, are already discussing alternative varieties and more selective use of Maris Piper.

Defending the variety, Gordon Stark, Director at Taygrow, argued that Maris Piper’s longevity reflects its versatility and resilience. “Maris Piper has seen off lots of different varieties,” he said, citing its use across chipping, packing and, at times, salad markets.

Stark said annual production of Maris Piper still stands at between 500,000 and 700,000 tonnes, with an estimated 60 million tonnes grown over the past 60 years. “You look at Piper, it’s cheap to plant, you can get any market for it, it’s never had a penny of royalties paid on it,” he said.

He acknowledged that climate change is making the variety harder to grow in parts of England but said this has led to increased production in Scotland. “So it’s great for us that you guys can’t grow it anymore. And don’t keep growing if you can’t grow it. Don’t get ambition and ability mixed up lads and lasses!” he said.

The debate also touched on blight pressure, breeding strategies and future varietal development. Announcing the result of the audience vote, GB Potatoes Chair Alex Godfrey said those arguing that Maris Piper’s best days may be behind it had narrowly prevailed.

“I believe those who believe Maris Piper has had its day may just have the edge, but it is narrow victory and I don’t doubt the debate will rumble on,” he said.

Despite the vote, the discussion made clear that Maris Piper continues to play a significant, if increasingly contested, role within the UK potato sector.