Retail Consumers Spent More On Potatoes

Potato retail sales increased in dollar sales but decreased in volume sales from July 2021-June 2022, compared to the same time frame a year ago. As consumer prices increased by 10.5 percent, retail dollar sales increased by 5.7 percent.

The total volume sales decreased 4.4 percent from the same time a year ago, but they remained above volume sales prior to the pandemic. Dollar sales have continuously increased over the last five years. Volume sales have ranged between 6.7 to 7 billion pounds of potatoes sold at retail.

All retail potato categories increased in dollar sales and declined in volume sales. Although all categories, except for deli-prepared sides, have a higher volume than before the pandemic.

Frozen potato sales account for 15 percent of potato sales and 18 percent of potato volume across the store. Frozen potatoes increased 2.8 percent in dollars and decreased 4.3 percent in volume. Straight-cut frozen fries make up the largest volume share of the frozen potato category, as seen in the chart below.

Fresh potato sales increased by 3 percent in dollars but fell by 5.6 percent in volume. The price per pound for fresh potatoes increased by 9.1 percent, but the average cost is still under $1. Most fresh potato types increased in dollar sales but declined in volume sales, except for one type: yellow potatoes. Yellow potatoes increased by 12 percent in dollars and by 4.6 percent in volume sales. However, russet potatoes remain the top volume share among all fresh potato types at 59 percent. Fresh potato sales account for 23 percent of retail store sales and 28 percent of volume sold.

When looking at fresh package types, micro/steamer and tray potatoes are the only two categories that increased in dollar and volume sales. Micro/steamer potatoes increased by 4.5 percent in dollars and by 2.6 percent in volume, while tray potatoes increased by 8.4 percent  in dollars and by 1 percent in volume sales. The only category to increase in dollar and volume sales for pack sizes was one to under two pounds, which grew by 9.2 percent in dollars and 2.4 percent in volume. All pack sizes eight pounds or greater saw the most significant volume sales decline but also had the largest price increases.

IRI compiles these figures. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein.