SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Whether it be the category’s standing as a staple, its versatility, or its role as a comfort food—or perhaps all of the above—potato sales are on the rise. As the category hit $3.1 billion over the past year, Fresh Solutions Network is capitalizing on the increased popularity by spotlighting its Side Delights® brand and its convenient value-added offerings.
“We are excited that shoppers continue to choose potatoes as the number one vegetable,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “While many shoppers are returning to their busy schedules, many are leaning into the convenience of quick-to-cook products like our Side Delights Steamables and Bakeables so they can prepare meals easily and cost-effectively in the comfort of their own home.”
During the same year period from July 2020–June 2021, consumers bought 577 million more pounds of potatoes than they did before the pandemic, according to a press release. These numbers continue to rise and show further demand for the category across the U.S., situating potatoes as one of the leading vegetables and side dishes in shoppers’ eyes.
Data has also confirmed that packaged potatoes such as microwaveable and single wrapped products have increased in dollars and volume over the last 12 months, which may directly correlate with many consumers choosing to opt for homemade meals instead of eating out. A COVID-19 impact report showed that the leading drivers of shoppers eating from home include cost, at 50 percent, and comfort, at 40 percent.
Specific potato varieties also drove performance over the past 12 months, with yellow, petite, medley, and Fingerling potatoes increasing in both volume and sales throughout 2020 and giving retailers an incremental purchase opportunity.
“Shoppers are voting with their dollars to delve deeper into value-added items. Promoting these higher-margin items expands not only the category but also supports the needs of shoppers as time constraints return to family schedules,” Triou added. “And with our ‘Grown Where It Matters’ program, we offer retailers digital and in-store communications to educate shoppers about where their potatoes are grown, as well as share the passion our farmers have for growing fresh quality potatoes.”
Overall, 74 percent of shoppers have reported adding potatoes to their shopping lists weekly, giving buyers unique opportunities to merchandise to increase basket size and expand their consumer reach.
So, retailers, it sounds like now is the perfect time to get in on the potato category action while it’s still hot, and Side Delights' lineup of value-added offerings is a great place to start.
