Irish Consumers spend €162 million on Potatoes annually
Mary Coughlan, Minister for Agriculture and Food, TD. today launched Bord Bia's New Season Queen Potatoes promotion in Dublin.
Figures released by Bord Bia indicate that consumers spent €162 million on potatoes in 2005- an increase of 8% on 2004. Irish consumers are buying potatoes more frequently and are spending more money per household with €122.60 per annum spent in 2005 compared with €116.30 in 2004.
The prepacked potato market has seen the largest increase in terms of value. It accounts for 97% of the overall market volume with more households buying into the convenience of smaller pack sizes on a more frequent basis.
New Bord Bia research revealed that consumers view new season potatoes as a "treat" with a "superior" taste as they are perceived as "fresh from the farm". The 'Queen' variety, recognisable by its white skin and creamy to white flesh, has been dubbed "the healthy fast food". Taking just minutes to prepare, new potatoes can be used for boiling, roasting or baking.
Mary Coughlan TD, Minister for Agriculture & Food commented: "Bord Bia is working in collaboration with industry representatives to highlight the benefits of these new potatoes for our health and wellbeing. Potatoes are a healthy nutritious food choice as they are naturally low in calories, have virtually no fat, and contain more potassium than both broccoli and bananas when eaten with their skins."
2006 has been a particularly good production year for quality Queens, the most important new season potato variety. New season potatoes account for 13% of total potato production in Ireland. Potatoes are a versatile, convenient and nutritious addition to any meal.