Irish potato consumption levels are on the increase, with the market confirming a strengthening in both total value and volume of sales over the past 12 months.
Bord Bia has confirmed that the Irish retail market for potatoes was valued at €219 million over the past 12 months.
This represents a 27.6% increase in value and a 5.3% increase in volume growth during this period.
One of the key drivers in the market has been the growth in potato consumption among consumers 35-years-of-age and younger.
The figures were revealed at the 2024 national potato conference, hosted by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Teagasc and Bord Bia.
Approximately 30% of potatoes are now sold in value added from across Irish retail outlets. This figure is set to increase significantly during the period ahead.
Meanwhile, potatoes remain Ireland’s favourite vegetable, with retail sales accounting for 51% within the fresh produce category.
The latest Kantar market analysis confirms that 97% Irish food shoppers purchase potatoes on a regular basis.
Helping to maintain this high level of consumer acceptance has been the strides made by the potato sector to offer its product range in a more convenient and consumer friendly way.
The move to smaller pack sizes has been a case in point. This has led to lower levels of food waste generation within households, now recognised as a key priority for consumers when it comes to them making their buying decisions.
Rooster remains the most popular potato variety within the Irish retail market, accounting for 61.5% plus of all sales.
However, recent years have been marked by a significant growth in Maris Piper sales.
The growing use of the air fryers in Irish households has now been recognised as a key factor associated with the continuing growth in potato consumption levels.
Research carried out in 2023 confirmed that two-third of Irish consumers use air fryers on a regular basis.
In tandem with this potatoes are recognised as one of the most versatile food produces that can be easily and successfully cooked using an air fryer.
Driving the use of air fryers has been their ability to drive down electricity costs. Recent analysis has confirmed that it only costs €62 to run an air fryer on an annual basis.
Cooking habits in Ireland will continue to change. However, there is lots of evidenced now pointing to the key role that potatoes will play within this evolving scenario.