While Potatoes USA’s major customers in the Philippines are large snack food manufacturers such as Universal Robina Corp., Liwayway Marketing, Corp and Leslie Food Corp., the group has been actively promoting their products for household consumption.
The country imported about 32,600 metric tons of potatoes in 2023, up by 12.5 percent from about 29,000 MT in 2022, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. These are mainly the variety used for making potato chips.
Potatoes USA, which represents more than 2,5000 potato growers in the US, accounted for a significant portion of the total imports.
The premium US potatoes available in the Philippines come in three forms: fresh (table stock) potatoes, frozen potatoes, and instant (dehydrated) potatoes -- all of which can be found in leading groceries and supermarkets.
Guaranteed safety and quality
Consumers both commercial and household are rest assured of the quality that Potatoes USA brings: every U.S. potato processor is closely regulated and monitored by inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and must meet the strict Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Potatoes USA says that with the busy lifestyles of Filipinos, potatoes, owing to their versatility and practicality, can be used in a variety of quick, flavorful, and nutritious meals for the whole family to enjoy.
“The love affair with potatoes is growing exponentially,” Potatoes USA said in a statement. “More and more people realize the numerous advantages of incorporating potatoes into their favorite dishes.”
Quick nutritious meals
Russet potatoes, perhaps the most purchased variety, are typically baked and topped with different ingredients. Reds are often used for salads while white potatoes, with their very thin skin, are ideal for velvety mashed potatoes with their skin on.
Yellow potatoes, which can come in small to large sizes, taste slightly sweet after grilling. A less well-known variety, blue or purples, are excellent for green salads as these have a nutty flavor. Fingerlings, meanwhile, can be pan-fried or roasted and then quickly enjoyed in small bites.
Other varieties that Filipino consumers can consider are US instant (dehydrated) potatoes as well as potato flakes and granules which are perfect for everything from mashed potatoes to gluten-free desserts and delicacies, not to mention hearty soups and stews.
Potatoes USA emphasizes that potatoes are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free and are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, making them perfect for health-conscious Filipinos.
Features Reporter
