Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
of production by the historically dominant
regions of the USA, Russia, and Western Europe
declined from 27% in 2000 to 22% in 2011
(FAOSTAT, 2013)
Russia was unseated as the second largest
potato growing nation in 2011, but remained
the largest European producer. Russian output
has declined in recent years and occasionally
dropped significantly, as in 2010 when pest pres-
sure and weather challenges combined to produce
a
20-
year low level of production (PotatoPro,
2010; FAOSTAT, 2013). US production has
slipped slightly from 2000, and its global rank-
ing fell to the fifth position by 2011. The decline
is consistent, with a trend towards gradually
decreasing North American production and
consumption.
amounts of potatoes and consumption may in-
crease over time as cultivation practices improve.
In addition to fresh potato consumption,
regional per capita consumption numbers are
influenced by the demand for processed potato
products, including French fries (also known as
chips). Processed potato demand has grown in
Europe and the USA; however, the greatest ex-
pansion has been in the population centers of
the Middle East, South America, and East Asia,
including China (FAO, 2008d). The tripling of
the US French fry export volume between 1990
and 2010, and the doubling of European exports
in the past
10
years, are evidence of substantial
growth in world demand for frozen potatoes
(USDA-FAS, 2013).
Consumption levels in advanced economies
have been supported by the increased availabil-
ity of novel varieties, packaging improvements,
and convenient preparations (USPB, 2011b).
Specialty cultivars have become common features
in many US grocery stores and may reintroduce
potential consumers to the spud. Easy-mash and
pre-made refrigerated potatoes make it simple
for convenience-seeking consumers to enjoy
potato products (USPB, 2011b). In the years to
come, domestic consumption may be strength-
ened by a growing appreciation for products, like
potatoes, that contain high levels of resistant
starch. On the other hand, potential consumer
concerns about the presence of acrylamide in
cooked starchy foods may nominally impact
potato demand, creating further consumer edu-
cation opportunities for the sector.
3.4 World Potato Consumption
Average world potato consumption was estimated
around 32.6 kg per person in 2009
(Table 3.2
)
(FAOSTAT, 2013). Despite being a leading pro-
duction region, the Asian population annually
consumes a relatively modest 26.2 kg per person
(
Table 3.2
) (FAOSTAT, 2013). In contrast, Eur-
ope produces fewer potatoes, but with a relatively
smaller population and supplementary imports,
the region enjoys the largest average annual per
capita consumption at 85.5 kg (
Table 3.2
)
(FAOSTAT, 2013). Per capita consumption in
Africa is relatively low, although developing na-
tions on the continent are cultivating increasing
3.5
Global Potato Trade
Table 3.2.
World potato consumption by region,
2009. (From USDA Economic Research Service,
based on data of the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization, FAOSTAT; accessed
20
May 2013.)
Approximately 6% of total world potato produc-
tion is estimated to be traded (FAO, 2008b). The
inherent bulkiness of tubers makes it relatively
expensive to transport, and perishability con-
cerns complicate international movement (FAO,
2008c). Despite these impediments, international
potato trade has been increasing in recent years,
doubling in volume and rising by fourfold, in
terms of dollar value, since the mid-1980s until
the present (USDA-FAS, 2011; FAOSTAT, 2013).
Much of the trade growth is attributed to the
The growth in imports is located primarily in
Total potato
consumption
(tonnes)
Kg per
capita
Region
Africa
14,823,633
15.9
Asia
105,934,808
26.2
Europe
63,003,549
85.5
South America
10,771,097
27.7
North America
18,749,149
54.9
WORLD
217,253,003
32.6
