Southeast Asia is emerging as a major hub for potato consumption, with per capita intake rising from 4.33 kg in 2013 to 5.20 kg in 2023—a growth of nearly 20%, signalling changing diets and expanding markets.
According to the International Potato Centre (CIP), the region has seen a steady surge in potato demand, with domestic production climbing 26.2% over the past decade, from 3.2 million to 4.1 million metric tonnes—ten times faster than the global growth rate.
Indonesia leads regional production, growing around 1.25 million metric tonnes annually, followed by Vietnam’s Red River Delta at 180,000 metric tonnes, and Northern Luzon in the Philippines at 100,000 metric tonnes.
Experts say rising urbanisation, higher incomes, and lifestyle changes are driving consumption. “The growth of modern retail chains, snack food manufacturing, and processed food consumption in households has significantly boosted demand,” said Dr Neeraj Sharma, CIP Country Manager for India.
Potato products are increasingly accessible through supermarkets and convenience stores, particularly in urban centres. Dr Lukie Pieterse, founder of Potato News Today, highlighted that demand is strongest among middle-income city dwellers, with potatoes now a staple for home cooking and Western-style dishes.
Globally, China and India remain the top producers, yielding 100 million and 58 million metric tonnes respectively, cementing potatoes as the world’s third most important food crop after rice and wheat. Worldwide production reached approximately 390 million metric tonnes in 2024.
