Spuds favoured for long shelf-life

Spuds favoured for shelf-life during lockdown

The most common main reason for stocking up on potatoes was their shelflife.

Consumer research results from the latest lockdown

BY GEORGIA THOMAS SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF WA

WA Potatoes recently participated in a ‘Peoples Voice’ survey of Perth residents.

The aim of the survey questions was to find out how potatoes stack up against other supermarket products when COVID-19 restrictions are put into place, and why people might choose to buy them during lockdown. The questions were asked as part of a survey by Painted Dog Research and used as a means to gauge consumer behaviour in-the-moment. The survey provides cheap and fast customer and community insights.

The data was collected from February 5–8, 2021, with the age range weighted as per ABS 2016 population statistics. We asked two key questions:

Question 1: During this most recent COVID-19 lockdown in the Perth, Peel and South West regions did you stock up on any of the following items? (select all that apply).

n Potatoes n Cauliflower n Sweet potatoes n Rice n Zucchini n Pasta n Carrots n Pumpkin n None of these

Question 2: (asked IF potatoes was selected above). We noticed you said you stocked up on potatoes. Why did you choose to stock up on them specifically? Please select and rank up to 5 from the reasons below where 1 = your strongest reason for purchase.

n Everyone in the house eats them n Have a good shelf life n Easy to prepare n Nutritious n Quick to prepare n Filling n Value for money n Delicious n Versatile n Healthy n None of these So, what did we find out?

· Of those who stocked up due to the recent COVID-19 lock requirements, potatoes tied second with rice as the most commonly stocked-up good with 14 per cent of respondents saying that they did so. Pasta was the top ranked · The most common age group to stock up were under 30-year-old respondents, with older demographics being less likely to stock up on any of those top three options (potatoes, rice or pasta) · The most common main reason for stocking up on potatoes was their shelf life · When examining the top five reasons for stocking up, the most frequently occurring response was that they are easy to prepare, everyone eats them and that they have a good shelf life. These insights can now be used by the potato industry to ensure that marketing and messaging is appropriately targeted during lockdown and other times of restrictions in Western Australia.

MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Georgia on georgia@wapotatoes.com.au

Victoria Baker Photographer PHOTOS:

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