DENVER, CO - Most potato categories are seeing volume increases and stable dollar sales, according to a newly released report from Potatoes USA. In its latest deep dive into the category, the organization noted that United States retail sales volume saw a 5.4 percent rise in July–September 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Fresh potatoes, chips, frozen potatoes, refrigerated potatoes, and deli-prepared sides all saw increases of more than 5 percent. According to the report, fresh potato volume sales rose 5 percent, with Russet, yellow, petite, and medley potatoes all seeing volume increases of more than 5 percent. Making up for 65 percent of fresh volume sales, Russets saw a volume increase of 10.6 percent.
Fresh dollar sales also increased across the yellow (5.6 percent), petite (1.7 percent), medley (5.1 percent), and fingerling (5.4 percent) potato categories. The report noted that fresh consumer prices were down 13 percent, with an average price per pound of $0.95.
The organization also shared an insight into the sales of different pack sizes, noting that smaller pack sizes of fresh potatoes ranging from less than 2 lbs up to 4 lbs increased in both dollar and volume sales. Making up the largest volume share of fresh potato sales, 5 lb packs increased 2 percent in volume but decreased 10.3 percent in dollar sales. In addition, 10 lb packs saw volume sales growth of 7.9 percent but fell in dollar sales by 17.2 percent.
For the full potato category, total dollar sales remained stable at $4.5 billion for the period (-0.2 percent), and consumer price declined 5.3 percent.
As the report revealed, potato chips saw increased dollar sales (3.2 percent), along with refrigerated potatoes (5 percent) and deli-prepared sides (7.4 percent). Dollar sales for frozen potatoes were stable (-0.01 percent), but decreased for fresh potatoes (-8.6 percent), instant potatoes (-1.5 percent), and canned potatoes (-2.5 percent).
To view the Fresh Potato Retail Sales Report, click here. The full Total Potato Retail Sales Report can be found here.
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