Some Red River Valley potato marketers could finish a little earlier than usual this year, said Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for the Northern Great Plains Potato Growers Association.
Export opportunities for U.S. fresh potatoes into Mexico are set to expand significantly within the next few months, U.S. potato industry leaders believe.
Fresh potato prices in late November were well above late 2020 levels while shipments of potatoes were lagging below year ago-levels, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics.
Through early November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture was taking comments on a proposed rule that would terminate the marketing order for Washington state potatoes.
Strong demand for potatoes and potato products and tight domestic supplies continues to drive increases in imports for the current (July – June) marketing year.
A 2019 study conducted by IRI, a Chicago-based market intelligence and analytics company, found that Side Delights Steamables is leading the microwave/steamable potato segment.
Ben Josephson has returned to Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC as sales director after having stepped away temporarily, said Eric Beck, marketing director with the Idaho Falls, Idaho-based potato grower-shipper.
MountainKing Potatoes is providing its retail partners with “turnkey, display-ready options” aimed at driving sales of its baby golds, baby reds and fingerlings.
The Eagle-based Idaho Potato Commission has intensified its promotional and merchandising efforts, said Ross Johnson, international marketing director.
There’s more to the potato business than reds, whites and russets, marketers say. Specialty varieties and organics are important parts of the product mix, they note.
The challenge to creating a compelling package for potatoes is complex, because bags must protect product integrity while attracting a shopper’s attention.
Friesland, Wis-based Alsum Farms & Produce hosted 150 runners, walkers and FFA supporters at the third annual Tater Trot 5K Run/Walk, Sept. 4 at Alsum Farms.
The chip, frozen and other potato-processing businesses continue to touch the fresh industry, but that touch might be a bit stronger this year, marketers say.
Weather issues during the 2019 growing and harvest season had potato prices soaring during the pre-holiday period, with little change expected after the first of the year, marketers said.
Potato prices may be higher this year than last because of tigher supplies, but the product remains a good value, and its versatility certainly hasn’t changed, marketers say.
The Eagle, Idaho-based Idaho Potato Commission is working with Greek yogurt brand Chobani to create a holiday recipe campaign promoting Idaho mashed potatoes made with Chobani Greek Yogurt.
Movement of organic potatoes and onions has been sluggish at times, but most organic growers say consumer demand generally remains strong as they continue to serve the market.
Potato and onion trade groups have planned a plethora of promotions to encourage consumption of their product. Here’s a look at some of the activities now underway.
The Idaho Potato Commission has unveiled the Big Idaho Potato 2.0, a 4-ton fiberglass potato replacing the original giant spud that traveled 155,000 miles and visited more than 7,200 cities over seven years.