Mr Quennell and his partner, Cushla Brophy, who bought Brydone Growers earlier this year, dug the first new potatoes on Thursday.
There had been "constant phone calls" from people asking when they would be available.
"I hope we don't disappoint," he said.
Mr Quennell sent a staff member to "have a scratch around" and see if there was any sign of of the potatoes.
He came back with five boxes which were sent straight to the Brydone Growers shop in the old Totara hall and were quickly being snapped up at $10 per kg.
Mr Quennell understood it was the earliest new potatoes had been sold at Brydone Growers which was previously owned by Lindsay and Sue Smith.
The couple took over in July, having moved south fromManawatu.
They always had a keen interest in organics.
A friend saw the business for sale on the Internet and then they decided to have a look and "loved the place".
Mr Quennell knew of the "Totara tar" soil and "legendary" North Otago potatoes.
"My parents are Otago-ites. They've told me about Oamaru potatoes," he said.
