Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
particular, improvements to potato varieties and
production practices have great potential to en-
hance yields (CIP, 2012a). Research from the
CIP in Lima, Peru, has contributed towards culti-
vation and germplasm improvements in partner
countries. However, more research and educa-
tion has the potential to affect food security posi-
tively, especially in countries where population
growth is expected to be significant in the years
to come (FAO, 2008b; CIP, 2012a).
be fattening, and health-related concerns were
cited less frequently as a reason to avoid pur-
chase (USBP, 2011b).
New varieties, packaging, and preparations
have the potential to entice demand from con-
sumers in developed markets where demand has
recently stagnated (USPB, 2011b). Specialty
varieties have become common features in many
US grocery stores and may reintroduce con-
sumers to the potato. Easy-mash and pre-made,
refrigerated potatoes are also making it easy for
convenience-seeking consumers to enjoy potato
products.
Additional consumer preference trends in-
clude growth in acrylamide sensitivity, increased
awareness of the glycemic index, and consumer
interest in foods high in resistant starch. The glo-
bal snack market is expected to grow annually
by 7% through 2015, which may favor growth
in the chip and dehydrated potato product sector.
Customization of snack flavors to local preferences
will assist potato snack products in dominating
local markets.
3.10
Consumer Trends
Despite retaining its ranking as the top side dish to
serve with protein, potatoes have encountered in-
creasing competition on the dinner plate. Accord-
ing to the 2008 NPD Group National Eating
Trends study, annual in-home potato servings per
capita between 1985 and 2007 declined 33%
from 105.2 servings to 70.8 servings per year.
Driving this decline was a significant reduction in
fresh potato consumption (NPD, 2008). The in-
stances where fresh potatoes were eaten at home
declined by 23.7 occasions between 1993 and
2009 (NPD, 2010). The same study identified
three primary reasons for the observed decline of
per capita consumption: concerns about the
healthfulness of potatoes; changing consumer
preferences; and the increased availability and
appeal of potato substitutes (NPD, 2010).
Recent preliminary experimental data indi-
cate that consumers were least knowledgeable
about the specific nutritional qualities associated
with potatoes relative to other qualities such as
price and preparation method (Bond
et al
., 2011).
Thus, concerns about the healthfulness of pota-
toes may be attributable to a lack of knowledge
of the macro- and micronutrient properties of
the tuber. There is some evidence that consumer
awareness of the positive nutritional aspects of
potatoes is improving. A 2011 USPB-funded study
found that fewer people were actively avoiding
potatoes, fewer consumers perceived potatoes to
3.11 Summary
The past
20
years have brought dramatic changes
to the global potato marketplace. Enhanced culti-
vation techniques and improved access to dis-
ease-free seed stock have assisted in increasing
production in emerging and developing coun-
tries. In particular, China has become the world-
wide leader in potato production and is making
strides towards becoming a front-runner in the
export market. As production has surged in lower-
income countries, developed countries have
experienced some stagnation in fresh market
demand. Fried products have maintained their
popularity in advanced economies and are find-
ing a receptive audience among consumers in
transitional countries. New products, prepar-
ations, and varieties continue to demonstrate the
diversity and usefulness of the humble potato.
References
BASF, Corp. (2010) The story: Amflora makes paper and yarn glossier and stronger (
http://www.basf.
December 2012).
