US Retail Potato Sales See Growth in Latest Quarter

Retail potato sales increased by 2.6% in dollar value and 1.1% in volume in the July/September quarter, the first of the marketing year, according to figures provided by Potatoes USA and reported by Capital Press.

Volume increased for chips, frozen and refrigerated potatoes. Dehydrated and canned potatoes and deli-prepared sides declined in sales value. Deli dropped slightly in volume.

Fresh-potato sales dropped slightly while dollar value rose. Reds dropped in volume and value, while Russet volume increased. However, the variety was down in sales value as prices fell slightly. Sales and volume totals rose for yellow, white, and medley fresh potatoes. Idaho produces nearly one-third of all U.S. potatoes, revealed the report.

Additionally, total fresh tonnage sold has dropped slightly in recent years, as the trend goes from larger bag sizes, such as the 10-pound, to smaller sizes such as the five- and four-pound bags. Smaller family sizes nationwide and increased demand for different potato varieties are among the factors behind this evolution.

The refrigerated potato category has been growing, consistent with the demand for convenience. However, it is still a small category by comparison to fresh.

Single-quarter statistics can vary significantly from a year earlier depending on retailer promotional activity, and supplier’s product launches or expansions, concluded the report.