Irish Potatoes Exhibit at International Trade Fair

Five Irish potato marketing companies are participating at Fruit Logistica, the world's leading trade fair for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, taking place in Berlin this week. This will be the second year in which Bord Bia has partnered with the Irish Potato Federation to promote Irish grown potatoes at the event, following on from the first successful participation in 2012. (See notes to editors for the list of participants). Fruit Logistica attracted 56,000 trade and retail visitors from 127 countries last year.

Mike Neary, Horticulture Manager, Bord Bia has welcomed the continuation of this joint initiative which aims to build and develop existing and new market contacts. "Under the Origin Green Ireland banner the stand will demonstrate the commitment of Irish fresh produce companies to operating sustainably. We have carried out a pre-event communication campaign to promote the Irish potato industry's presence at the event to key foreign buyers and we have developed an international trade section on the potato.ie website to support this export initiative".

Liam Glennon, President of the Irish Potato Federation added that, "While there is a tighter potato market supply situation currently, the Irish potato industry has shown that with good growing conditions it is capable of producing significant volumes of good quality potatoes which are in demand on export markets as experienced in 2011. It is imperative for the potato industry to be in a position to take advantage of these market opportunities and the presence of the Irish Potato Federation at Fruit Logistica again in 2013 is part of an ongoing effort to build strong trade relationships in key markets".

It is estimated that 263,000 tonnes of potatoes were produced in Ireland throughout the 2012 season, with a total of 8,800 hectares of potatoes grown by an estimated 540 growers. The main variety grown is Rooster with 58% of the area, followed by Kerr's Pink (9%); Queens (7.5%); Golden Wonder (3%), Records (1%) and others (21.5%). The key production areas by county include Meath (22%), Dublin (15%), Wexford (13%), Louth (12%), Donegal (10%), Cork (8%), Kilkenny (5%) and others (15%).

Source: HortiTrends News Room