19-03-2026 Aviko’s variety selection strategy

At Aviko, we continuously work on selecting and introducing potato varieties that perform optimally throughout the entire chain: from farm to fork. In doing so, we always strive for the right balance between product quality, agronomic performance and processing suitability. This ideal combination differs by product and by growing region, and evolves in line with new insights, market requirements and changing growing conditions. In this article, we explain what we focus on and how the selection process is structured.

What Aviko is looking for

Our variety selection aligns with Aviko’s growth strategy for value‑added products, with attention to both quality and overall cost price. Each product segment requires specific quality criteria and therefore varieties with the right characteristics.

In addition, growing challenges vary by region. Soil type, weather conditions and soil‑borne diseases and pests determine which varieties are best suited. In some areas, for example, resistance to nematodes is essential, while in other regions drought tolerance or suitability for irrigation is the decisive factor. From an agronomic perspective, we therefore look at traits such as yield and size distribution, resistances, the risk of bruising sensitivity, underwater weight (UWW) and storage potential. Together, these characteristics contribute to stable cultivation for our growers and to the quality required further down the chain.

The key questions are always: which variety demonstrably performs better than existing varieties within a specific product segment and fits the regional growing conditions? And which combination of varieties contributes to a healthy crop rotation for growers?

The selection process for new varieties

In cooperation with more than fifteen breeding companies, we select the most promising varieties each year. These varieties go through a multi‑year selection process, starting with field trials and supplemented by factory tests.

Phase 1 – Small‑scale field trials

In the first phase, we test more than one hundred varieties annually in small‑scale field trials. These serve as an important initial selection. Varieties are assessed within predefined market segments, which are defined in consultation with the breeders. Each variety is compared with a reference variety within the same segment. Only varieties that clearly perform better on one or more characteristics move on to the next phase.

Assessment criteria

Each candidate is assessed against a broad set of criteria, including:

Agronomic

• Yield and size distribution

• Crop development

• Disease resistances

• Tolerance to water stress

• Fertiliser requirements

• Sensitivity to soil‑borne diseases

Industrial / product

• Underwater weight (UWW)

• Dry matter content

• Frying quality

• Storage stability

• Colour and discolouration after processing

Sustainability and improved resistance to Phytophthora are becoming increasingly important. A central question here is: can we produce more with fewer inputs through variety innovation?

Varieties that perform well in the first year are tested again in the second year to confirm stability and assess the influence of weather conditions.

Phase 2 – On‑farm trials and initial factory tests

After the small‑scale field trials, full field trials are carried out with growers. This allows us to assess performance under practical conditions. This process includes, among other things, small‑scale test productions, field visits during the growing season, quality analyses and comparison with reference varieties. We also evaluate whether the associated agronomic advice can be applied effectively in practice.

In parallel, the first factory tests take place. These assess whether the variety is suitable for processing. If results are positive, the volume is increased in the following year to collect more data. When performance remains consistently good, the variety is declared commercial.

Phase 3 – Commercial phase

Varieties that reach this phase have proven their value in both cultivation and processing. Cultivation is further scaled up, with continuous monitoring of performance.

A variety is only fully validated once sufficient data, practical experience and confidence have been built up to properly support growers in large‑scale commercial production.