Germany: The potato, a traditional product of the German diet, is experiencing a new boom

Potato consumption in Germany is experiencing a new boom after this traditional product of German cuisine lost popularity in recent decades, accused of being fattening and part of old-fashioned dishes.

• Although per capita potato consumption in Germany has long since dropped to around 180 kilos per person in the 1950s, the consumption of this tuber will again exceed 60 kilos per capita in 2024, according to figures from the Federal Agricultural Information Centre (BZL).

Per capita consumption increased between July 2023 and June this year from 55.7 to 63.5 kilos, the highest consumption in 12 years.

"Compared to the previous year, the estimated consumption of fresh potatoes increased by 8.4 kilograms per person to 25.5 kilograms," the centre added. Consumption of products such as French fries, potato salad and potato chips, on the other hand, decreased to 38 kilograms.

Experts are also unclear as to why so many fresh potatoes were purchased.

"One possible reason could be, among other things, that many special offers from food retailers , such as smaller package sizes, have apparently led people to buy more potatoes," said BZL director Josef Goos.

Another reason could be the increase in sales from direct sellers on farms rather than supermarkets.

The potato undoubtedly plays a special role in German history. Originally from the Andes in South America, it began its triumphal march on German soil in the mid-18th century.

In the 1750s, the Prussian King Frederick the Great ordered its systematic cultivation. He was the first ruler in Europe to recognize that this easy-to-grow food could prevent frequent famines.

Many people in Germany know from their own families how deeply the promise of the potato as a life-saving food became embedded in people’s minds. Relatives who lived through the Second World War and the post-war period are generally great fans of the potato .

"The potato is very adaptable and has adapted well to our climate and soil," explains German food sociologist Stefan Wahlen. This is in addition to its good tolerance level compared to other carbohydrate-producing foods, such as wheat.

"This makes the potato a cheap, nutritious and storable food. As a result, the potato , being a foreign food, was adapted to such an extent that it was actively integrated into the existing food culture and even became an identity-forming food for Germans," Wahlen noted.

"I don’t think the potato ’s comeback is a coincidence," the sociologist added. "It is the result of a combination of consumer culinary habits and measures to increase its appeal on the production side," he said.

She added that the potato is seen as a very practical option for consumers and is now also considered cheap and healthy. In short, it is a retro trend that is reaping success.