Polonia: Potato variety knowledge increases consumption

Since that time, Lukasz Ostrowicz from Bugaj Sp Zoo reports that there are now only domestic potatoes on offer.

Production is going well, however, many growers are not getting the high prices they had been hoping for. Heavy rains in May and June, made for wet conditions, along with hot temperatures, and as a result, yields are much higher compared to last year.

"On the back of last year’s high prices, when cost prices were also low, many producers increased their growing areas by a few percent in the hope of earning more money. This has resulted in an oversupply, which is also being seen in other parts of Europe, leading to a 2,000 hectare increase of production area in Poland." said Ostrowicz.

Potato demand also sees decrease in Poland

Just as in other countries, demand for potatoes has been steadily decreasing over the years. However, consumption in Poland is still quite high when compared with other European countries - Western Europe in particular. Average potato consumption for the Polish consumer is 100 kg per person per year.

To combat this decline in consumption, the Polish Potato Association has been conducting various promotional activities. However, the organisation has only been around for the last two years, so there is still a lot of work to be done.

"Before the association was formed, everyone was just going around doing their daily business, independently from others in the industry. The association has been active in promotional activities through the media, such as appearing in cooking magazines. They are trying to combat the misconception that potatoes are a heavy vegetable that is full of calories." said Ostrowicz.

’All potatoes are not alike’

Bugaj started working together with Tesco back in 2012 on a potato project offering five different varieties to consumers so they could learn more about the differences between varieties. 

"I believe that we were the first to launch this type of project with retailers. Before the programme, customers had the misconception that ’a potato is a potato’, now they are aware that there are different potatoes for french fries or salad. We started the program with varieties like the Augusta, Jelly, Gala, Vineta and Agata, and incorporated information about the variety onto the packaging, making it easier for consumers to choose. Other supermarkets have followed since and more awareness about the different potato varieties has turned into a trend." said Ostrowicz.

For more information:

Lukasz Ostrowicz

Bugaj Sp Zoo

Tel: +48 698 678 536

Fax: +48 44 680 9525

Email: lukasz.ostrowicz@fhbugaj.pl

fhbugaj.pl