DENVER, CO - Potatoes are a constant favorite for consumers, both in the restaurant and at home. As the world over shows solid signs of recovery, United States potato growers are also noticing a rise in exports. From July through December 2022, Potatoes USA compared that six-month span to 2021 and tracked the trends of potatoes fresh, frozen, and dehydrated.
Volumes of U.S. shipments of frozen potatoes were up 0.6 percent while the value of frozen exports was up further by 25 percent. The significant increase in value over volume, present for all potato categories, represents inflation and price increases across the globe. As noted in the release, a few major export markets saw decreases in U.S. frozen potato shipment volume over the six months. However, many markets saw significant volume increases during this time.
U.S. fresh potato exports, including table-stock potatoes and chipping potatoes for processing, decreased in volume by 8 percent during these six months compared to the year prior, but the value was up by 13 percent, again reflecting higher prices. Now that the U.S. can ship potatoes beyond the 26-kilometer border region in Mexico, there was a significant 20 percent increase in volume and 56 percent in value for fresh exports to the market. Fresh shipments also increased by volume to Central America, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Dehydrated potato exports were up 16 percent by volume and 29 percent by value. The large increase in U.S. dehydrated potato shipments globally was led by increased shipments to several markets.
While some international markets still report a tight supply of U.S. potatoes, the situation seems to be improving in many countries. In South Korea, for example, foodservice operators are maintaining a consistent supply and are looking to launch new products and run promotions for U.S. potatoes. In most markets, retailers and foodservice operators are back to business as usual, and tourism is returning. However, price increases affect these markets and often lead to increased costs for the end consumer.
For more insights, check out the report here.
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