Lady Jane: Strong, stable and ready for Italy!
With its varied climatic conditions and rich soils, Italy offers both great opportunities and significant challenges for potato cultivation. For Pizzoli, a leading producer of frozen potato products and table potatoes, it is crucial to find the right variety, one that combines high yield performance, resistance, and processing quality. Lady Jane has proven to be a great fit for Pizzoli’s ambitions.
A century of potato expertise
Ditta Pizzoli celebrates its 100 year anniversary this year. The family owned company, based near Bologna, has grown into Italy’s most important producer of frozen potatoes, supplying both retailers and foodservice. "In 2023, Pizzoli opened a state-of-the-art production facility for the processing and packaging of potatoes, significantly accelerating the company’s growth and development," says Francesco Messieri of Pizzoli's seed potato division. Today, the company holds a strong leadership position in the retail channel, accounting for approximately half of all frozen potato products sold under our own brand or private label, and also plays a significant role in the foodservice market. In addition, the company supplies fresh table potatoes to retailers and markets seed potatoes.
Pizzoli collaborates closely with around 160 loyal growers across the country. “We have worked with the vast majority of them for many years. These long term relationships allow us to grow and innovate together.”
Regional origin is highly valued
Italian consumers strongly prefer locally produced products, which is clearly reflected in Pizzoli's retail packaging. They also tend to favour yellow fleshed potato products in terms of appearance, and Lady Jane fits this preference perfectly with its deep yellow flesh. This preference also extends to fresh table potatoes, along with the high skin quality.
The country’s diverse climate and soils greatly influence potato production. Francesco: “Southern regions such as Sicily, Campania, and Apulia play an important role in early table potatoes, while northern regions like Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna are significant producers for processing. A unique production area is the Fucino basin near Avezzano, 800 meters above sea level. With its cool climate and fertile soils, it offers growing conditions similar to those of Northern Europe and delivers high yields and excellent quality for both table and processing potatoes.”
Robust varieties are becoming increasingly important
When asked about the biggest challenges in potato production, he explains that Italian growers face complex growing conditions. “Hot summers limit canopy development and negatively affect dry matter content, which is crucial for frying quality. Although irrigation is available in many northern regions, costs are rising. Italy is also experiencing increasing regulatory pressure. With fewer crop protection products available, there is a growing need for resistant varieties that offer more security in the field. These pressures drive the search for robust, stress resistant varieties, something Lady Jane certainly provides.”
Lady Jane: strong and stable
Pizzoli began its first trials with Lady Jane more than five years ago. On the company’s 60 hectare experimental farm, around 100 new varieties are tested annually. After initial selection, the most promising varieties are tested on a larger plot the following year. From there, only the best advance to grower trials.
Lady Jane has proven successful in the first trial years. Since then, things have moved quickly. For the 2026 season, the company will plant a significant increase of Lady Jane seed compared to previous years. “We mainly produce Lady Jane for French fries with growers in northern Italy, but in the coming years we will also promote it for the table segment,” Francesco adds.
Pizzoli is very pleased with Lady Jane’s yield and quality. The variety is stable both in the field and in storage. “Lady Jane consistently performs well during processing, with excellent dry matter content, fry colour, taste, and uniformity of sticks, even after long storage! This allows us to process Italian potatoes for an extended period, reducing the need for imports.”
Resistant against hot summers, heavy winds and blight
As Italian growers continue to face climatic and regulatory challenges, Lady Jane offers stability, efficiency, and reliable performance. “Growers really appreciate Lady Jane for its high, stable yields and good storability. Lady Jane also appears to be more resistant to late blight and other threats compared to other varieties.
Importantly, it remains stable under heat stress. During hot Italian summers, some varieties begin sprouting prematurely, but Lady Jane maintains crop stability. The plant also has a strong stem and canopy, enabling it to withstand the strong winds that occur in certain regions.”
“Lady Jane fits perfectly into our strategy. We want to reduce the number of varieties produced in small volumes across the country and focus on strong, robust potato varieties that support our mission to deliver high quality, Italian grown (frozen) potatoes year round. Lady Jane is one of the varieties we trust most,” Francesco concludes.
Lady Jane, A world of possibilities!
Lady Jane is a stress-resistant and easy to cultivate potato variety, known for its consistent good yield and versatility. With its good dry matter content, crispiness and the ability to maintain a fine fry color throughout storage, Lady Jane is a top choice for French fries and crisp producers!
Within the table segment, Lady Jane is perfect for making delicious homemade French fries or mash thanks to its excellent taste, texture and deep yellow flesh color.
Traits
- Stress-resistant and easy to cultivate
- High yield per hectare
- Good dry matter content
- Maintains a good colour after frying
- Suitable for long-term storage
