Imports of new- and old-season fresh potatoes reached over 70,000t in 2018, the second highest level in the last 10 years. Approximately 56% of these originated from Britain.

According to the CSO, fresh potato imports have increased by 32% since 2009, which directly reflects the 34% decrease in Irish potato area over that same period.

In the last 10 years, more than €300m of fresh potatoes have been imported from countries all around the world. Fresh potato imports are destined for a wide range of markets, including peeling, packing and chipping.

Processed potatoes

Around 84,000t of pre-cooked and processed potatoes (excluding crisps and non-edible products) were imported in 2018. These include ready-made and precooked chips, valued at around €84m.

Crisps

Despite the increase in indigenous crisp production, crisp imports have steadily risen since 2009.

In 2018, the imported crisp market stood at 16,000t, valued at €42m.

However, overall import figures have been on a downward trend since 2016.

Read more

UK body seeking permission to trial genetically modified potatoes

IFA potato report: planting stalled as soils reach saturation