DENVER, CO - The industry saw significant movement in the potato sector this year, and Potatoes USA recently reported some impressive results. The organization relayed that potato retail sales increased in dollar sales by 17.8 percent but decreased in volume sales by 2.1 percent from July through September 2022 compared to the same timeframe a year ago. Even though there was a small decrease in volume sales, volume sales for this period still remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Over the last five years, the average consumer price per pound of potatoes has increased each year, with a high of $2.35 for the past quarter, a press release explained. Consumers reportedly still find potatoes to be an affordable product as dollar sales have continued to grow, and the volume of potatoes consumers purchase remains above levels in 2020.
All categories of potatoes, except deli-prepared sides, increased in dollar sales, with the most significant occurring for frozen potatoes by 22.8 percent. The biggest decline in volume for this timeframe was in refrigerated potatoes, down by 11.4 percent, and fresh potatoes, down by 3.4 percent.
Fresh potato dollar sales were up for all types, except Fingerling and purple, due to tight supply.
The biggest decrease in volume sales for the July-September 2022 timeframe, the PR continued, were purple potatoes, Fingerlings, and white potatoes, down 38.5 percent, 14.9 percent, and 13.2 percent, respectively.
The report went on to note that all pack sizes saw an increase in dollars, except packages greater than 10 pounds, which decreased 27.3 percent. The pack sizes that grew the most were 5 lb and 10 lb packs, increasing by 29.4 percent and 29.3 percent, respectively.
The IRI compiles these figures, and Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein.
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