German per capita Potato Consumption up in 2010

The Germans are buying more potatoes again.

After a several-years of continuing decline of the amount of potatoes consumed, German per capita consumption increased to around 63kg in 2010, up from 60kg in 2009, according to Martin Umhau, chairman of the Potato Panel within the German Farmers' Association (DBV).

The Potato harvest in Germany so far promises very high quality, although the high portion of large tubers poses a problem, according to Umhau. Currently there is almost no markets for these oversized potatoes.

As a consequence of the persistent rain this summer, the harvest is still not complete. Moreover, the potato prices are disappointing for the growers. Production costs soared, particularly due to the costs of irrigation that was necessary this spring.

For the German consumers the situation looks quite different: the quality of the potatoes is very good and there is ample supply.

"The costs of potatoes are hardly noticeable in a household budget and they are a healthy, tasty and valuable food"summarizes Umhauer.