The hunt is on to find a worthy replacement for Russet Burbank as McDonald’s spud of choice for its fries, at least in the US. Actually, a couple more varieties have received Ronald’s seal of approval, but the last time a variety was added to his shopping list was in 1999. Time for some diversification, wouldn’t you say?
McDonald’s has huge clout. Russet Burbank has a 40% acreage share in the top potato states, almost 60% in Idaho. But it has drawbacks, and the industry is “always looking for the silver bullet to replace [it].” And “taste, texture and golden-brown appearance aren’t everything” now, as they were in the good old days. Now you have to worry about the water use efficiency of varieties, and their resistance to diseases, so that they don’t get doused with pesticides so much. Industry reps recently met to discuss the latest prospects. And they chose the ideal place to do so: Sturgeon Bay, Wis., home of the U.S. Potato Gene Bank. The hot money is on the Bannock Russet.