Potato remains a main product during Lockdown 2.0 in the UK.

The second Lockdown will bring widespread closure of public places including bars and restaurants once again.

As a result of the first lockdown, many businesses within the foodservice sector are better prepared to adapt to a takeaway/delivery service. This second Lockdown will have a strong impact on the potato industry,

but not as critical as it was in March.

We all witnessed how certain goods, including potatoes, were flying off supermarket shelves as the nation evidently went into a state of panic. This time the panic buying

has been at much lower level than back in the lockdown 1.0. It is expected that retail sales will remain strong again but it is likely to be more stable this time.

There was also an increased demand in processed potatoes sold via retail during the pandemic. Retail sales of processed potatoes raised by 11 percent over the last 6 months

(by 4 October). At the same time, primarily frozen chips, crisps and potato snacks have experienced strong growth during this time and this will probably continue in the second lockdown.

Sales of fresh potato via retail over the last 6 months (by 4 October 2020) have risen by 19 percent according to Kantar data, compared to the same period in 2019.

Potato sales through retail are expected to grow during the second lockdown as it remains a main product in people’s diets and is considered an economic and filling option.

In retail, we would usually point out a rise of potato sales in December, and this year we could see this being less dominant. There is optimism that families will be able to share Christmas dinner together,

keeping potatoes in demand, even though we won’t see any wide scale gatherings.

source : ahdb org uk

photo : greatbritishchefs