Hermes
Long-established chip variety, especially in UK and South Africa.
At a glance
Best uses
About this variety
Long-established chip variety, especially in UK and South Africa.
Hermes is classified as a western europe variety released in 1973, primarily used for chips, processing / industrial. For agronomic specs, breeder details, and trial data not yet captured here, refer to the source registries linked at the bottom of this page.
Where is Hermes grown?
Hermes is most commonly grown in Western Europe, with original release from Netherlands. The variety is commercially established within its regional context. Cultivation footprint reflects the variety's adaptation to local agroclimatic conditions and the breeding programme's regional focus.
Production data for the specific countries where Hermes dominates is documented through CIP, USDA, AHDB, ICAR-CPRI, NAK Netherlands, and national agricultural agencies depending on origin. Cross-reference our country profiles for production context — see the global country index or specific producers in Western Europe.
What is Hermes best used for?
Hermes is best suited to chips, processing / industrial. Long-established chip variety, especially in UK and South Africa.
End-use suitability is determined by specific gravity, flesh colour, dry-matter content, and reducing-sugar levels. Processing-grade varieties typically require specific gravity ≥1.080 and low reducing sugars to support Maillard browning without producing dark or bitter products. See the complete varieties guide for cross-variety comparison.
When was Hermes released and by whom?
Hermes was released in 1973 by Netherlands. The variety belongs to the Western Europe family of cultivars and reflects the breeding objectives of its origin programme — typically a combination of yield improvement, disease resistance, and end-use specification matching the dominant commercial demand of the period.
Variety persistence over multiple decades is unusual in modern agriculture; Hermes's continued commercial cultivation reflects either distinctive culinary characteristics or specific niche-market demand that newer varieties haven't displaced.
How does Hermes compare to similar varieties?
Within the Western Europe family of cultivars, Hermes. Comparable varieties include Bintje, Maris Piper, King Edward — each with distinct breeding histories and end-use profiles. Cross-comparison data is available through our variety database.
For systematic comparison see the variety compare tool or browse all 237 varieties in our database. Each variety has its own dedicated profile with origin, traits, and uses documented from primary breeder sources.
Frequently asked questions about Hermes
What is Hermes potato?+
Hermes is a western europe potato variety released in 1973 originating from Netherlands. Long-established chip variety, especially in UK and South Africa.
What is Hermes potato best used for?+
Hermes is best suited to chips, processing / industrial. Long-established chip variety, especially in UK and South Africa.
When was Hermes released?+
Hermes was released in 1973. The variety is classified as western europe.
Where is Hermes grown?+
Hermes is most commonly grown in Western Europe, with original release from Netherlands. Cross-reference our country profiles for production data.
Variety profiles aggregate data from CIP Lima genebank, ICAR-CPRI variety catalogue, EU Common Catalogue, USDA PVPO, AHDB Potato Variety Database, NIAB, NAK Netherlands, the Potato Pedigree Database, national breeding programmes (CAAS, EARO, BARI, INTA, EMBRAPA, INIFAP, IHAR-PIB, VNIIKKH), and peer-reviewed literature in Potato Research and the American Journal of Potato Research.
Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Potatopedia editorial team.