Potatoes South Australia is calling for a national marketing campaign to improve the reputation of the potato

Australians have turned their back on potatoes in favour of ‘trendier’ carbohydrates, according to an industry body.

Potatoes South Australia chief executive Robbie Davis says potatoes are widely considered fattening, high in bad carbohydrates, inconvenient and boring.


Due to a lack of national marketing, Ms Davis says rice and pasta have become the more popular choice amongst consumers.

The negative views are false, she says, and positive messages need to be spread.

“Potatoes have not been marketed at a generic level in Australia for maybe 30 years,” she said.

“They are fabulously healthy for you.

“They have more Vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana.”

The familiar nickname ‘spud’ is also in question.

“We try not to use that word,” Ms Davis said.

“We’re sophisticating it, it’s called potato and we need to elevate it to a very high position in everyone’s repertoire as a fabulous thing.”

A national marketing strategy is just one of the topics to be discussed at a potato industry conference in Mount Gambier in South Australia from August 10 to 12.

Hosted by Potatoes South Australia and seed certification authority ViCSPA, the conference will attract producers from all southern states, along with international speakers.

Research and development, improving Australia’s export potential and collaborating with New Zealand bodies are also on the agenda.