Retail sales of potatoes highest in five years

Record potato sales continued at retail from July through September 2020. Total store potato sales increased by 13.6% in dollar sales and 10.6% in volume sales, compared to the same time frame in 2019. These sales levels are also the highest they have been for the past five years.

Frozen potatoes showed the greatest increase compared to a year ago, with a dollar sales increase of 23.9% and a 19.7% increase in volume sales. The only category that declined compared to a year ago is deli-prepared sides; however, the category decline slowed compared to the previous three months.

Fresh potatoes sales increased 16.4% in dollars and 10.6% in volume, despite the consumer price increasing. Medley, petite, and yellow potatoes all had a volume sales increase over 20%. While consumers still purchased more five-pound bags than any other package size, ten-pound bags saw the largest increase in dollars and volume sales by 22% and 20.4%, respectively. Bags larger than ten-pounds grew in dollar sales but were the only category to fall in volume sales with a 9.1% decline.

These figures are compiled by IRI.

— Potatoes USA