The Jersey Royal Company has seen a huge transformation in the way potatoes are grown and marketed in the Island with the amalgamation of five of Jersey’s premier growers and two major marketing organisations.  While the techniques we use are still very traditional, for example standing of the seed and planting and harvesting by hand, the structure and philosophy of our business is very much in keeping with the times.

Now that 85% of the Island’s exports are produced by the Jersey Royal Company, it has been possible to grow and harvest the entire crop to the same protocols.  Not only does this ensure best practice but also consistency, quality and supply. Digital mapping using satellite technology as well as four weather stations strategically placed around the Island allow us to closely monitor the crop’s development.  This is vital since Jersey Royals are seen by many as the first new potatoes of the British season and a sign that spring is here!

During the height of the season, more than 1,200 tonnes of potatoes are exported every day.  But the whole process actually starts in August with the harvesting of the seed for the following year’s crop.  The seed is then hand graded and stood

in seed trays for planting.  This takes about eight weeks and more than a million trays are filled!  Planting begins in January and goes on until mid-April, when green house potatoes are ready for supply.  This culminates with the peak supply period in mid-May. 

Jersey Royal Potatoes are one of a small number of fresh produce lines that have been granted a Protected Designation of Origin by the EU.  This means only Jersey Royals grown in the Island can carry the Jersey Royal brand.  We are very privileged at the Jersey Royal Company to have such a strong, instantly recognizable brand.