The implications of changing food habits will be explored at the upcoming World Potato Congress (WPC) to be held in New Zealand next March.

The seventh WPC is being hosted by Potatoes New Zealand, the organisation representing the country’s 300 potato growers, on March 22-25.

With the theme of ‘Nourishing Our Future’, the congress will review the latest world developments in crop management, environment and energy issues, food and non-food processing, consumer trends and food safety and quality.

Lauraine Jacobs, world-renowned food writer and editor of Cuisine magazine, will address the congress on changing consumer tastes and what this means for the potato.

Terry Olsen, grower and the chair of the WPC organising committee, said: “Consumer tastes are constantly changing, and for a sector like ours, it’s vital we understand what consumers think and feel about our product.

“Lauraine knows the consumer inside out. Expect her to pick trends and issues that we need to prepare for if we are to grow potato consumption,” he said.

Other speakers include Martin Kneebone of Freshlogic.com, Dr Kristian Moeller, managing director of GlobalGAP, and Dr Jim Salinger, an international climate change expert and principal scientist at New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

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