In the first quarter of 2024, Potatoes USA reported a significant increase in sales across all potato categories in the United States. The retail sales volume of potatoes experienced a notable 5.6% growth compared to the same period in the previous year, with dollar sales also rising by 4.4% to almost $4.6 billion. This surge in sales reflects a robust performance across the entire spectrum of potato products.
Key Highlights from the Sales Report:
- Fresh Potatoes:
- Dollar sales increased by 0.6%
- Volume sales surged by 7.6%
- Frozen Potatoes:
- Dollar sales rose by 10.5%
- Volume sales saw a 3.3% increase
- Potato Chips:
- Dollar sales showed a 3.3% growth
- Volume sales increased by 1.7%
Noteworthy Trends:
- The most significant sales volume spikes were observed in deli-prepared sides (7.8%) and fresh potatoes (7.6%).
- Dollar sales for fresh potatoes reached nearly $1.1 billion, marking a 0.6% uptick from the previous year.
- Purple potatoes witnessed the highest sales volume increase at 18.9%, followed by medley (11.5%), yellow (11.2%), and russet (10.8%).
- Dollar sales for fresh potatoes showed positive growth for purple (12.4%), medley (9%), yellow (8%), fingerling (3.4%), and petite (1.1%), while decreasing for red (-5.5%), white (-1.7%), and russet (-0.2%).
Packaging and Sizes:
- All pack sizes below 10 pounds experienced an increase in both volume and dollar sales.
- Notable increases were seen in 8-pound bags (25.5%), 10-pound bags (9.1%), 5-pound bags (8%), bags under 2 pounds (7.6%), and bags weighing 2-4 pounds (4.2%).
- Conversely, bags greater than 10 pounds saw a decline in volume sales (-25.8%). Dollar sales for 10-pound bags decreased by 5.9%, while those above 10 pounds saw a substantial 36.8% decrease.
About Potatoes USA:
Potatoes USA serves as the national marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers. Established in 1971 by potato farmers, Potatoes USA is the largest vegetable commodity board, dedicated to advocating for the nutritional benefits of potatoes and promoting their consumption. This organization plays a vital role in supporting and advancing the potato industry in the United States.
