According to a press release published by Potatoes USA (the US potato industry association), retail potato sales from July to September 2022 increased in dollar terms by 17,8% compared to the same period last year, but decreased in volume by 2,1 ,XNUMX%, informs Potatoes News.
Potatoes USA experts emphasize that, despite a slight decrease, sales volumes remain above pre-pandemic levels.
The press release notes that over the past five years, the average consumer price per pound of potatoes has increased each year, peaking at $2,35 in the last quarter. But consumers still consider the potato an affordable product, and its sales continue to grow.
All categories of potatoes are becoming more expensive, and the most significant increase in the indicated period fell on frozen potatoes - 22,8%.
Interestingly, however, frozen potatoes remain one of two positions that saw an increase in sales (by 0,5%). The second product whose sales volumes are on the rise is canned potatoes (up 0,2%).
The largest decline in sales during this period was recorded in the category of fresh potatoes (by 3,4%).
Sales of fresh potatoes in dollar terms rose for all varieties except finger and purple varieties due to lack of supply. The largest declines in sales between July and September 2022 were for purple, finger, and white-fleshed varieties, down 38,5%, 14,9%, and 13,2%, respectively.
All package sizes increased in value, with the exception of packages over 10 pounds, which decreased by 27,3%. The packs of five and 10 pounds went up the most, prices increased by 29,4% and 29,3% respectively. Sales of packs of all sizes declined, with the exception of packs weighing two to four pounds and five-pound bags.