Australians are consuming more potatoes than ever before according to new data. As Megan Hughes reports for ABC Rural, statistics from research and development organisation Hort Innovation shows 87 per cent of Australian households bought potatoes at the supermarket, taking home an average of 1.7 kilograms per shopping trip.
The group’s data and insights chief Adam Briggs said consumers were not just buying spuds at the checkout but also were ordering them when eating out.
“Approximately 15 per cent of the volume of the crop went to food service to cover things like your quick-service restaurants, and also you know other convenience options like catering as well,” he said.
The majority of Australian-grown potatoes stayed in the country with only 3 per cent exported last year. While that might sound like a small number it equates to 40,000 tonnes, valued at $31 million.
Source: ABC Rural. Full story here
Photo: Courtesy ABC Everyday: Heidi Sze
