Co-op has announced a move to best-of-season packs from British potato growers as an effort to support a wider range of homegrown varieties.

The convenience retailer’s “best of season” packs are now available in stores and are curated for how they will be cooked with roasting, mashing, baking, salad and everyday bags.

Each of the packs will have one selected variety which is chosen for its suitability for the cooking method, which is set to change throughout the seasons, so only the best quality is included.

The convenience retailer plans to support UK growers by switching to newer and more diverse varieties to ensure quality for shoppers and backing the domestic food supply chain.

Co-op senior buying manager for potatoes, Scott Saunders, said: “We recognise that UK growers have been under pressure in recent years – by switching to newer, more resilient British varieties and focusing on how potatoes are used, we can offer more consistent quality and reduce waste for our members and customers, as well as offer greater flexibility for growers.”

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The move comes after a year of extensive in-store trials and taste panels with customers and working closely with UK-based supplier Greenvale.

Some of the potato varieties which will be on rotation include Jelly, Tyson, Karelia and Maris Piper.

Chair of GB Potatoes Alex Godfrey added: “The move by Co-op recognises the quality of British-grown potatoes and supports the long-term sustainability and profitability of UK potato production.

“With potatoes offering versatility and excellent value for money, helping consumers understand that different varieties are suited to different uses is a positive step that will strengthen the category.”

This builds on the retailer’s commitment to promote British farming as it invests in homegrown produce.