Entitled Behind the Menu - Potatoes in Foodservice, the report showed that potatoes in some form accompanied 45 per cent of meals eaten out of the homes.

But research undertaken by Reed Business Insight for Aviko highlighted that healthier potato varieties were still important with three-quarters of participating food outlets stating they offer healthier potato options.

Phil Cumming, sales and marketing director at Lamb Weston added: "Customers today expect a choice of at least three or four different potato accompaniments with their meal. Offering chips alone is not enough and will leave customers disappointed.