A survey on potatoes carried out for Bord Bia has shown that pasta is the carbohydrate perceived to be the most popular.
Pasta also emerges most positively amongst housekeepers as convenient, quick to prepare and a good fit with busy lifestyles.
However, a significant majority of people are still buying potatoes, though increasingly in smaller pack sizes.
Two-thirds of housekeepers buy fresh potatoes at least weekly, although two-thirds of households buy pasta and rice once a month.
The research carried out by TNS/MRBI shows that there is a key group aged between 22-44 who are eating more pasta and rice than potatoes.
The Irish Farmers' Association says that Bord Bia and the industry are to set up a potato promotions group to plan a major marketing initiative over the next few years to address consumer perceptions about potatoes and drive demand.
