Ireland: Potato Market 2025

Potato Market Size in Ireland

The Irish potato market expanded significantly to $X in 2021, surging by 8.9% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Potato Production in Ireland

In value terms, potato production expanded rapidly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 566% against the previous year. Potato production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, the average potato yield in Ireland surged to X tons per ha, increasing by 15% on the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the yield increased by 49%. The potato yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the potato harvested area in Ireland declined to X ha, standing approx. at 2020 figures. Overall, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 19% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the potato harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports from Ireland

Potato exports from Ireland contracted to X tons in 2021, dropping by -3.6% against the year before. In general, exports, however, posted a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 519%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato exports dropped slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 170%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Ireland, accounting for a approx. 98% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to the UK totaled +15.2%.

In value terms, the UK ($X) also remains the key foreign market for potato exports from Ireland.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK stood at +18.0%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato export price amounted to $X per ton, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 469%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the UK.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Poland amounted to +1,620.8% per year.

Potato Imports

Imports into Ireland

In 2021, supplies from abroad of potatoes decreased by -2.6% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato imports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a mild reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by 22%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the UK (X tons) constituted the largest potato supplier to Ireland, with a 75% share of total imports. Moreover, potato imports from the UK exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), eightfold. France (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 6.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the UK was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+19.4% per year) and France (+18.8% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) constituted the largest supplier of potato to Ireland, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the UK totaled -1.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+20.7% per year) and France (+11.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -5.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 20% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+6.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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