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Versatile potatoes strike a chord with Australian consumers


Australia
May 11, 2015

The adaptability of the potato is proving increasingly popular among Australians, with an increasing percentage of consumers indicating they buy the commodity because it’s versatile.
 
“In encouraging news for the nation’s potato growers, Wave Six of the Potato Tracker project has revealed a seven percentage point increase in ‘versatility’ as a trigger to purchase for potatoes, from 52 per cent to 59 per cent, compared to the first three months of the project,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Alexander Miller.
 
The positive feedback doesn’t end there, with an increasing percentage of consumers also indicating they buy potatoes because they; taste great (61 per cent from 60 per cent), go well with other food (57 per cent from 54 per cent), are enjoyed by the whole family (54 per cent from 46 per cent), and are a habitual purchase (50 per cent from 47 per cent).
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing 2,000 Australian potato growers.
 
“As testament to the versatility of the potato we have also seen an almost across-the-board increase in the popularity of various potato cooking methods,” said Mr Miller.
 
“Mashing (76 per cent) once again remains the most popular preparation method, closely followed by roasting (72 per cent) boiling (66 per cent), baking (63 per cent), microwaving (29 per cent), stewing (29 per cent), steaming (27 per cent) and soup (26 per cent).”
 
‘Traditional’ (66 per cent) proved the most popular cuisine type in which to incorporate potatoes, followed by ‘modern’ (54 per cent), British (40 per cent) and Indian (22 per cent).
 
“The research also revealed that consumption occasions increased in Wave Six compared to past waves of the project, particularly around dinner meals,” said Mr Miller.
 
“It was suggested that consumers did still need encouragement to eat potatoes outside of dinner meals, which may provide some future opportunities for growers looking to fill gaps in the market.”
   
The Potato Tracker project is being conducted in consultation with industry by consumer research organisation Colmar Brunton, and has been designed help growers gauge consumer attitudes and behaviour in relation to potatoes, and identify potential market gaps.
 
This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd using the National Fresh Potato Levy and funds from the Australian Government.  



More news from: AUSVEG (Australian Vegetable Growers Federation)


Website: http://www.ausveg.com.au

Published: May 11, 2015

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