Although Red River Valley's red potatoes are still viewed as a specialty item, demand is strong and grower-shippers expect it to remain so.
The Packer's 2011 Fresh Trends reported that 16 percent of consumers surveyed preferred to purchase red potatoes, while 43 percent preferred russets.
Still, overall demand for red potatoes has been strong since the spring and throughout the summer, said Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, East Grand Forks, Minn.
"Demand outstrips supply," he said.
This season, a short supply likely will continue through fall because Red River Valley crop production is down. As a result, Kreis said he expects prices to remain relatively high.
SOURCE: The Packer