Move Over, Pumpkin: Potatoes Are Ready for Their Fall Entertaining Moment; Kathleen Triou Comments

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - From football weekends and Halloween parties to Friendsgiving and holiday entertaining, fall gives retailers more reasons to put potatoes at the center of the plate — and the center of the produce department.

As consumers look for affordable ways to entertain, the growing “appetizer economy” is creating new opportunities for one of America’s favorite and most versatile vegetables. Younger consumers are helping drive the trend: according to Datassential, 40% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials report eating more appetizers than they did a year ago.

For retailers, that creates an opportunity to merchandise Side Delights® potatoes as more than a traditional dinner side. Petite, fingerling, Russet, red, yellow, and white potatoes can become crispy bites, smashed potatoes, skewers, potato skins, and shareable platters — giving shoppers an economical foundation for fall entertaining.

“Potatoes already have tremendous household familiarity, value, and versatility. Fall gives retailers an opportunity to remind shoppers just how many occasions potatoes can serve,” said Kathleen Triou, President & CEO of Fresh Solutions Network®, in the recent release. “From game-day snacks for the family to a Friendsgiving for 50, potatoes can move from side dish to appetizer, party platter and entertaining centerpiece.”

The opportunity is already showing up in fall food inspiration. Delish’s collection of 68 fall appetizers features potato dishes prominently, including Crispy Sweet Potato Bites at No. 1 and French Onion Smashed Potatoes at No. 3, along with Melting Sweet Potatoes and Thanksgiving Potato Skins.

Side Delights offers retailers a portfolio that can translate that inspiration directly into the produce department. Fall entertaining ideas include:

• Side Delights Petite Potatoes for Lamb and Potato Skewers with Italian Salsa Verde.
• Side Delights Fingerling Potatoes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Aioli.
• Side Delights Russet Potatoes for Cheesy Potato Skins and other loaded, shareable appetizers.
• Side Delights Russet or White Potatoes for Sour Cream & Chive Potato Mini Buns.

Retailers can turn these ideas into purchases by giving potatoes greater visibility throughout the fall entertaining season. Secondary displays, recipe inspiration, digital promotions, and cross-merchandising with cheese, dips, bacon, sour cream, fresh herbs, and other appetizer ingredients can help shoppers see potatoes as the starting point for their next gathering — not simply tonight’s side dish.