Potatoes: An Excellent Source of Functional Ingredients
ID: 3495

Abstract: The global Functional Foods market has been growing at a double digit growth rate for several years and is becoming more developed as consumers look for health related benefits. As the population in the North American market continues to age demand for functional foods will continue to increase as consumers look for answers to health concerns. The International Year of the Potato in 2008 stimulated a renewed interest in the nutritious content of the potato. Recent research has indicated that there may be significantly more to the potato than previously thought and some have indicated that it may rival the blueberry in potential health benefits. As a result the global Functional Food and Nutraceuticals (FF/N) market has developed into a $186 Billion industry which is expected to continue growing in excess of 10% annually for the next several years.

The potato can capitalize on this renewed health consciousness by repositioning or differentiating itself as a healthy (carbohydrate) product. Potatoes with coloured (red or blue) flesh should be able to additionally carve out a strong market position as a result of their flavonoid / antioxidant profiles. The bio-active(s) causing the observed effect have not been isolated or well defined. Observed potential health benefits that have been reported include: Gastro-intestinal conditions, Blood, Anti-diabetic, Lipid Lowering effect, Coronary Heart Disease, Anti-inflammatory / neuro-protective response, Anti cancer, anti-infective, arthritis, Skin conditions, as well as other conditions. There is a rush by food producers to bring to market new products that provide additional benefits for consumers. Generally the reported health benefits have been observed in relatively small study populations and will require more extensive investigation.

This panel discussion will focus on both the scientific and business opportunities that potato functional foods may offer. We will also discuss what is required to accelerate the development of potato functional foods throughout North America.

The panel will highlight the ongoing research to identify the functional food properties in various potato varieties. There is good research published on the nutritional value of the potato, and new research is building on the functional food properties or potential nutraceuticals value of different varieties, including blue or red fleshed potatoes. Current research is ongoing looking at varieties and their functional food profiles.

As potential functional food and nutraceuticals properties need to be further developed to ensure they are useful products that meet consumer demand. The Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet) has experience in the development of new functional foods and nutraceuticals. These products need to have the appropriate developmental research and clinical evaluation in order to be marketed with any health claim labeling.

The potential health benefits and the extensive profile of functional food / nutraceuticals compounds will have a significant business opportunities in a rapidly growing marketplace. As consumers continue to age and the demand increases this provides significant opportunity for industry and entrepreneurs in an active market.





Moderator: Jeff Jennings, Strategic Directions  (Canada)

Presenter 1: Identifying the Functional Food Properties in Potato Varieties
Bob Chapman, National Research Council Canada, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 2: Developing the Functional Foods Potential of Potatoes 
Rickey Yada, University of Guelph, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 3: Functional Foods from Potatoes: Role in Feeding the World 
Jeff Jennings, BioAtlantech, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 4 (if necessary): {Presenter4PresentationTitle} 
{Presenter4FirstName} {Presenter4LastName}, {Presenter4CompanyName}, ({Presenter4Country})  [{Presenter4InviteStatus}]

Panel Organizer:
Jeff Jennings, Strategic Directions , (Canada)

Why should your submission should be selected for this year’s program?
The United Nations International Year of the Potato (during 2008) highlighted the role of the potato in feeding the world. As the 4th most important crop globally it addresses many developing nations food and financial needs. In developed countries the potato again has the potential to address many developing health issues. The speakers are credible leaders in helping to reposition the potato in the consumers mind as well as lead the potato industry to continued growth.