What It Is:
Irish potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are starchy tubers cultivated globally as a staple food. They are known for their versatility, high carbohydrate content, and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Export Form:
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Fresh Irish Potatoes
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Frozen/Parboiled Irish Potatoes
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Dried or Dehydrated Potatoes
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Potato Flour or Starch
Export of Irish Potatoes
Export HS Code:
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07019010 – Fresh or chilled potatoes (for sowing)
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07019090 – Fresh or chilled potatoes (other)
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11051000 – Potato flour, meal, and powder
Uses in International Markets:
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Human consumption (boiled, fried, baked)
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Raw material for processed foods (fries, chips, mash)
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Ingredient in baby food and snacks
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Potato flour for baking and cooking
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Starch extraction for industrial uses (textile, adhesives, paper)
Top Export Destinations:
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United Kingdom
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United States
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Canada
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UAE
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Saudi Arabia
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Netherlands
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Germany
Packaging for Export:
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Fresh Potatoes:
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10kg, 20kg, or 25kg mesh sacks or jute bags
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Well-ventilated and labeled with origin and weight
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Frozen/Processed:
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Vacuum-sealed packs or frozen in polyethylene-lined cartons
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Dehydrated/Flour:
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Moisture-proof, sealed plastic bags or paper sacks (1kg to 25kg)
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Export Specifications:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 40mm – 80mm diameter (export grade) |
| Appearance | Clean, firm, uniform in shape, free from decay |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 80% (fresh), ≤ 10% (dehydrated/flour) |
| Packaging | Sacks/cartons with proper aeration |
| Shelf Life | 2–3 months (fresh), 6–12 months (dried/frozen) |
| Temperature for Storage | 4°C – 8°C (fresh), -18°C (frozen) |
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling:
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Harvested 80–120 days after planting
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Cured for 10–14 days to harden skin
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Graded, cleaned, and sorted manually or mechanically
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Stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated warehouse before export
Local Sourcing in Nigeria:
Local Sourcing in Nigeria:Key producing states include:
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Plateau State (Bokkos, Mangu, Barkin Ladi)
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Kaduna
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Taraba
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Bauchi
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Adamawa
These areas have ideal climatic conditions for growing Irish potatoes.
Export Price (as of recent market):
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Fresh Potatoes: $300 – $550/ton FOB Nigeria
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Frozen or Dehydrated: Up to $1,200/ton depending on value addition
Demand in the UK & EU:
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High demand in the ethnic and mainstream markets
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Nigeria-grown potatoes are appreciated for their flavor and starch content
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Compliance with phytosanitary and food safety standards (HACCP, GAP, ISO) required for market entry
