Shoppers bought three per cent more British potatoes this year compared to 2015, new data shows, amid fears of sliding sales.
The figures for the last 12 months are equally encouraging, as Kantar Worldpanel report that a total of 2.2 million tonnes were sold in the last 12 months.
During the same period, the industry campaign 'Potatoes: More than a bit on the side', a three-year promotion funded by the EU and run jointly between AHDB and Bord Bia in Ireland, commenced.
The retail figures will be seen as welcome news to farmers who have long been worried about falling sales.
And through tracking work carried out by the AHDB, there is a shift in the way people view potatoes, with 82 per cent of consumers agreeing that ‘potatoes are healthy’, from a base of 68 per cent, three-quarters agreeing that they are an essential part of any diet, up from 60 per cent, and 72 per cent acknowledging the fact that potatoes are fat-free, up from 55 per cent.
Versatility is still a key benefit for potatoes, with 92 per cent agreeing that they are a versatile product.
Meanwhile, two major universities have completed research into the nutritional benefits of the potato in recent months and have underlined their value to our health.
A recent University of Surrey study reported that: "Potatoes are an important source of micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, and iron and contribute a significant amount of fibre to the diet."
This follows a study by the James Hutton Institute, from 2017 that drew similar positive conclusions on potato health benefits.
