Gropak, the pioneering potato-growing manufacturer, was established in 1997.
Andrea Buchanan, Company Director of Gropak, shared that Gropak’s potatoes are a varietal initially bred in the Netherlands.
The low-carbohydrate, low-calorie potato has taken time to build up to commercial quantities. However, the varietal's popularity in Europe is promising for the potato varietal here in New Zealand.
The introduction of the potato varietal directly aligns with growing consumer interest in health and well-being, the conscious consumer desiring to have healthier options available and accessible to them of the foods they love.
“Fewer potatoes were consumed as consumers opted for other food groups. We wanted to offer something different, and this brand was being marketed in Europe successfully, so we bought it in New Zealand,” revealed Buchanan.
The potato seed is grown in the South Island, with various growers spread nationwide. Packaged under the Sunlite brand, the Gropak packhouse is adept in washing, sizing and packing several vegetables, including potatoes, onions, carrots, brussel sprouts and yams. However, Gropak also has a processing room, where the company specialises in specifically shredding certain vegetables such as carrots, carrot batons, beetroot, and sliced and diced onions.
Buchanan explained that significant care goes into the growth of the low-carbohydrate, low-calorie potatoes. Each paddock is tested in an independent laboratory to ensure the quality and commitment of the potato health benefits are delivered as the company promises.
This occurs before harvest nationwide, ensuring the potatoes are grown according to Gropak’s criteria for the benefit of consumers.
The Company Director shared that her favourite dish to prepare the potato with was the classic and delicious potato salad.
“Sunlite Low Carb Potatoes have a lovely creamy yellow colour and are very light, so the potato salad is very light and refrigerates well for the next day.”
