Prepared potatoes are seeing a renaissance in catering, research has found.
A study by the Potato Council shows that half of British potato tonnage goes into the foodservice sector. It is a complex market; competitive, demanding, price-led and volatile, with very different needs to the retail sector in terms of compliance, packaging and storage, according to the council.
The most popular potato product in this sector is the chip; a format that accounts for 85 per cent of volume and 83 per cent of value.
Kathryn Race, marketing director at the Potato Council, said: “Chips dominate the foodservice profit sector. But despite their universal appeal, chips are still too often regarded by chefs as just a ‘side-of-plate’ item.
“Being a relatively low-cost ingredient should not impede their overall value in the kitchen and we are encouraging caterers to remember that, as a nation of chip lovers, the quality of the chip is just as important as the dish it accompanies.”
When it comes to other potatoes, mashed, boiled and prepared are found almost exclusively in pubs and full service restaurants, and this is where there are greater opportunities for growth.
Race continued: “We know that when eating out of home, people still like to enjoy meals that have a ‘home-made’ taste and they are becoming increasingly interested in the origin of foods - and this can also apply to potatoes.”
The foodservice market is valued at more than £34 billion and offers significant business potential for potato producers and suppliers.
Race concluded: “There are opportunities for growth in the foodservice sector, but producers and processors must identify the gaps available. How can potatoes add value to each sector offering? And, of course, [we should consider] growing consumption of ‘other potatoes’ among the younger generation.”
No comments yet