Chapter 1 - The fresh potato market

Abstract

Potato has arguably revolutionized western society as much as trains, planes and automobiles. It has been and still is a delicacy, a fast food and a hedge against famine. This chapter reviews the market for fresh potatoes largely within the UK, a market that is generally accepted as one of the most sophisticated potato markets worldwide. The importance of potatoes within the UK's agricultural industry and how the crop compares with other crop enterprises are summarized. Potato growing produces a much higher value crop per hectare than cereal enterprises, but potato growers face much greater fluctuations in the level of prices and revenue as mentioned here. The increases in yield have only been possible as a result of improved agronomy and crop management skills which have developed in line with increasing concentration and specialization among growers in the UK. The chapter details on the supply and disposal of potatoes in GB and indicates the annual variation between components. It provides details of the retailer share of the fresh potato market by volume and value in the UK. Typically, supermarkets now work with one major packer/supplier supplemented by one or two “secondary” packers. There are shifting patterns in potato consumption in the home. Expenditure and consumption part covers this aspect. The consumers' view summarizes the opportunities (good news) and threats (bad news) for the fresh potato sector as it stands at the time of writing.