Praise for MBM’s new season of Juliette potatoes rang out across the cove at Porthallow, Cornwall on midsummer’s night at a special dinner to celebrate the first lifting of the 2005 crop.

“Like Jersey Royals used to taste,” said guest and potato lover Paul Gayler, executive chef at London’s Lanesborough Hotel. “They are amazing.” Pierre Koffmann, former three Michelin star chef, declared Juliette: “Delicious. A real potato,” and Danny Murphy of Chefs Connection said: “These are the best potatoes I have ever eaten.”

The evening, the first of its kind, began in the field with the potatoes themselves. Thirty guests, ranging from top chefs to potato industry experts, were invited to Cornwall to dig potatoes and then eat them afterwards in a local restaurant taken over for the evening. “It was a very successful evening,” said Claire Harrison, MBM’s Food Innovation Manager. “We wanted to let the potatoes do the talking and the best way to do that was to serve the potatoes simply alongside some local saddle of lamb. The response was fabulous especially from such respected chefs. The potatoes cooked well, looked beautiful and had a lovely delicate flavour,” Commenting on the dinner Alistair Bishop, committee member of the Craft Guild of Chefs and executive chef of London’s Paddington Hilton said: “It was the perfect evening. Flawless in every way and the potatoes were a sensation.” “It’s the first time I’ve ever dug potatoes,’ said Clive Dixon, chef/owner of the Tavern on the Green by Grafham Water. “I’m amazed at how good they are.” Steve Rangeley, of Costco, who will be the first retailers to stock the Potato Lovers range said: “We are looking forward to a bright future with Juliette. Congratulations on a wonderful launch.” Juliette new potatoes have been launched by MBM as part of their new Potato Lovers range and are available immediately from selected stockists and suppliers. For more information on Juliette and the new range contact our sales team on 01354 606121.

Picture shows Pierre Koffman and Paul Gayler