March 21, 2023 | Articles

2021 record production unlikely to be beaten in 2022

The world produced a record 376.1 million tonnes of potatoes in 2021, new figures from the UN FAO suggest. However, a smaller area and weather issues in key potato-growing countries may have seen that figure fall by nearly six per cent to 354.3 million tonnes in 2022, World Potato Markets calculations estimate. Please note that…

December 21, 2022 | Articles

Eight billion people means potato challenges and opportunities

This year has seen a significant milestone in the life of the world – its population has reached eight billion for the first time. Changes in world population will shape the potato industry in the coming years and it is not all about adapting to a growing number of people in the world.

September 27, 2022 | Articles

An overview of monthly ware trade

Worldwide late season demand for ware potatoes.

June 22, 2022 | Articles

Growth in world potato area halted by pandemic

The pandemic appears to have stalled the increase in potato production over the last two years but yields continue to rise as potato production consolidates into the hands of fewer and more professional growers.

March 23, 2022 | Articles

War in Ukraine disrupts potato market

The potato market has not escaped the turmoil caused by the war in Ukraine. However, unlike other crops, prices in Europe have fallen as concerns over global chains and disruption to processing mounted.

November 24, 2021 | Articles

The vital role of the potato in saving the planet

World leaders recently gathered in Glasgow, Scotland for the COP26 climate change conference – COP stands for Conference of the Parties and the event was the 26th meeting. The event is attended by countries who have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was introduced in 1994 and aims to keep average…

September 23, 2021 | Articles

World frozen fry trade back on track

Global frozen trade is recovering and could soon reach pre-pandemic levels despite the virus being far from under control, writes Cedric Porter, editor of World Potato Markets.

June 04, 2021 | Articles

World potato production reaches new highs

Global potato production is at record levels, according to latest figures from the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation. Data collection delays mean that the latest figures cover 2019. They show a 1.4% increase in output to 370.437 million tonnes, just ahead of the 2017 and 2014 world potato harvests. The area producing potatoes was up…

February 26, 2021 | Articles

Shoppers turn to potatoes during lockdown

The main bright spot for the world potato industry during the last year of turmoil has been the increased demand for potatoes at home. Restrictions on the opening of restaurants, schools and workplaces has meant people have had to eat more food at home. Many have appreciated the value, versatility and tastiness of potatoes and…

November 25, 2020 | Articles

A prospect of brighter skies to come

No part of the potato industry has been untouched by the virus. There has been plenty of bad news, but there has been some good news too, writes Cedric Porter, Editor of World Potato Markets.