Mar 8, 2018Idaho crop up nearly a quarter from last year, sets record
The 2017 Idaho potato crop has set a new record. According to the USDA, the preliminary estimated value for the crop is $1.2 billion, a 22.7 percent leap from the previous year. Harvested acreage was down 5 percent and yields were down 1.2 percent.
“Foodservice operators can thank a large crop of quality Idaho potatoes (approximately 13 billion pounds) for continued year-round availability,” wrote the Idaho Potato Commission. Currently, foodservice accounts for approximately 50 percent of Idaho potato sales, including fresh potatoes, as well as processed (fries and chips) and dehydrated potato products.
At chains, the IPC said, french fry sales are up as more operators offer loaded fries and two fry menus.
“Consumers are demanding a broader variety of creative and ethnic foods that would often be too challenging, costly and time consuming to prepare at home. A variety of Idaho potatoes products and recipe options help operators meet that demand,” said Don Odiorne, IPC vice president foodservice/website.
