Southeast Asia’s potato consumption has soared by 20% in a decade, driven by urbanisation and modern retail, with Indonesia leading regional production.
PHNOM PENH: Southeast Asians are rapidly becoming major potato consumers.
The region’s per capita consumption jumped from 4.33 kg in 2013 to 5.20 kg in 2023.
This 20% increase reflects significant shifts in dietary patterns and market expansion.
The International Potato Centre (CIP) noted the region shows consistent growth in potato demand.
Southeast Asia’s domestic supply surged by 26.2% over the last decade.
It rose from 3.2 million metric tonnes to 4.1 million metric tonnes.
This growth rate is ten times higher than the global average.
Indonesia is the region’s largest producer, cultivating about 1.25 million metric tonnes annually.
Vietnam’s Red River Delta produces roughly 180,000 metric tonnes.
The Philippines’ output is around 100,000 metric tonnes from Northern Luzon.
Rapid urbanisation and the expansion of food service sectors are fuelling demand.
Rising urban incomes and changing lifestyles are also key drivers.
“Expansion in modern retail chains, snack food manufacturing, and household consumption of processed foods also play important roles,” CIP Country Manager for India, Dr Neeraj Sharma, told Bernama.
Supermarkets and convenience stores have significantly increased access to potato products.
Founder of Potato News Today, Dr Lukie Pieterse, said demand growth is most visible in urban centres.
“Growth tends to be most visible in urban centres and among middle-income consumers,” Pieterse told Bernama.
He noted potatoes are used more for home cooking and western-style dishes.
Globally, China and India are the top potato producers.
They account for 100 million and 58 million metric tonnes respectively.
Potatoes are the world’s third most important food crop after rice and wheat.
Global production reached about 390 million metric tonnes in 2024.
