Abstract
This chapter discusses the production in emerging and developing countries, regional cultivation, world consumption, global trade, fresh and processed products, characteristics, popular domestic and international varieties, trends in consumption and marketing of potato. The past 20 years have brought dramatic changes to the global potato marketplace. Enhanced cultivation techniques and improved access to disease-free seed stock have assisted in increasing production in emerging and developing countries. In particular, China has become the worldwide leader in potato production and is making strides towards becoming a front-runner in the export market. As production has surged in lower income countries, developed countries have experienced some stagnation in fresh market demand. Fried products have maintained their popularity in advanced economies and are finding a receptive audience among consumers in transitional countries. New products, preparations, and varieties continue to demonstrate the diversity and usefulness of the humble potato.