Growers can exploit the growth in meals taken out of the home by researching the opportunities that exist within the annual £30 billion foodservice market, according to a report by the British Potato Council (BPC).
Almost half (47 per cent) of the 3.3 billion meals served by caterers during 2003 featured potatoes in some form, says the report ‘The Foodservice market - an opportunity’ which is available free to all BPC levy payers.
“Consumers currently spend 34p in every food pound eating out and in 20 years time, more will be spent eating out than eating at home,” said the BPC’s Kay Hogg. “We estimate that 50 per cent of the total GB potato tonnage is now being used by the foodservice sector. Further opportunities exist because caterers value potatoes for their versatility and their potential to deliver good profit margins.
“Potato producers and processors need to identify niche market opportunities for fresh and processed potatoes. Understanding what the caterer and consumer are looking for in that particular market sector is vitally important. Our consumer research shows they are looking for more potato choice on menus for children’s meals, starters and light-bite dishes.”
Hogg added: “In addition, research undertaken with caterers has shown that there is a wealth of ways suppliers could help them -including providing variety, storage and handling information and new ideas for using potatoes as well as a more pro-active level of service.”
The BPC aims to help potato producers and caterers to share information and is encouraging visits by the supply chain to restaurants and pub groups for first-hand experience of the foodservice market.
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