Irish Potato Growers Lose Out to Frozen Chips Imports
Issued 21th February 2002
Imports of frozen chips and potatoes for fresh chips now amount to €35m per annum, the National Potato Conference was told today (Thursday, 21 February).
Tom Maher, National Potato Specialist Adviser with Teagasc, said the recent closure of Donegal Foods in Letterkenny has resulted in our entire national requirement of frozen chips being imported. Donegal Foods had been producing around 20% of the total frozen chips market.
''Total imports of frozen chips are now valued at €25m per annum. A further €10m worth of the variety Maris Piper are imported for production of fresh chips. This represents a significant lost opportunity to Irish growers and the economy'', said Tom Maher.
Tom Maher said that potato production in the UK and in continental Europe has changed significantly where now 50% of total production is for frozen chips and processing. This reflects changing consumer trends in potato consumption.
''In Ireland, over 90% of the 0.5m tonnes of potatoes produced by the country's 900 growers is for the 'ware' or conventional market. The balance is primarily for crisp production'', he said.
Mr Maher said the establishment of a plant, in the main potato producing areas, for the production of frozen chips should be investigated.
