Latest News From Potatoes

Another good year due for Red River Valley potatoes
Another good year due for Red River Valley potatoes

Potato growers in the Red River Valley are predicting an average-size crop this year with the usual high-quality red and yellow potatoes the region is known for producing.

Photos: Day 1 of Idaho potato harvest tour
Photos: Day 1 of Idaho potato harvest tour

Peak potato harvest time drew more than a dozen foodservice and produce professionals from across the country to southeastern Idaho.

National Potato Council opposes amendment that it says would limit promotion boards
National Potato Council opposes amendment that it says would limit promotion boards

The National Potato Council says it is against proposed legislation that it says would undermine or eliminate commodity checkoff programs.

U.S. potato industry seeking fresh access to Japan
U.S. potato industry seeking fresh access to Japan

Plant-health officials from both countries will meet in Japan on Sept. 25-26 to discuss the issue.

‘Versatility shines’ in new Burbank Reserve russet potato variety
‘Versatility shines’ in new Burbank Reserve russet potato variety

A new "restaurant-style" potato is being launched this fall by RPE’s Farmer’s Promise brand, with the new crop anticipated Oct. 1.

Side Delights to debut Petite Potatoes line at Southern Innovations
Side Delights to debut Petite Potatoes line at Southern Innovations

The Pennsylvania-based company says it plans to spotlight 1.5-pound and 3-pound gusset bags.

High desert harvest: Potato producers readying for San Luis Valley crop
High desert harvest: Potato producers readying for San Luis Valley crop

Colorado's San Luis Valley, a heavy hitter in fresh potato production, is poised for another strong season.

Fresh Trends 2023: Nearly 2 of 3 consumers said they purchased potatoes last year
Fresh Trends 2023: Nearly 2 of 3 consumers said they purchased potatoes last year

The Packer's Fresh Trends 2023 research indicated that 62% of consumers said they purchased potatoes in the past year.

Potato LEAF awards scholarship to Washington State University student
Potato LEAF awards scholarship to Washington State University student

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has awarded a $10,000 2023-24 academic scholarship to Jacob Meeuwsen.

U.S. potato exports hit records for value and volume
U.S. potato exports hit records for value and volume

Over the last 12 months, U.S. potato export values have increased almost 20%, or $2.2 billion, with a new Mexican export market fueling growth, according to a Potatoes USA report.

Spud outlook strong for Alsum Farms
Spud outlook strong for Alsum Farms

Test digs at Alsum Farms of Wisconsin russet, red and yellow potato varieties are indicating a promising year, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager of the Friesland, Wis.-based marketer.

Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary celebration raises thousands for Wisconsin FFA chapters
Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary celebration raises thousands for Wisconsin FFA chapters

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce celebrated 50 years in business on Aug. 11-12.

Alsum Farms celebrates 50 years with public-facing celebration
Alsum Farms celebrates 50 years with public-facing celebration

2023 is a golden year for Alsum Farms & Produce.

Potato retail sales up double digits year-over-year, report says
Potato retail sales up double digits year-over-year, report says

U.S. retail sales of potatoes have grown 16.8% from July 2022 through June 2023, according to a recent Circana report.

Wisconsin growers weather dry spells, prepare for high-quality potato crop
Wisconsin growers weather dry spells, prepare for high-quality potato crop

Despite a stretch of abnormally dry weather this summer, high-quality product and average yields are anticipated for Wisconsin potatoes.

Big Idaho Potato Truck crosses into Canada on its way to Alaska
Big Idaho Potato Truck crosses into Canada on its way to Alaska

After 11 years of exploring destinations in the U.S., the Big Idaho Potato Truck is making its way through Canada.

Good potato crop expected in Washington
Good potato crop expected in Washington

Despite a cold spring, Washington potato growers are anticipating a good crop for 2023, says Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington Potato Commission.

2022 season saw reduced acreage, higher prices for Washington and Oregon potatoes
2022 season saw reduced acreage, higher prices for Washington and Oregon potatoes

Both Washington and Oregon potato output was down for the 2022 season, and prices have been elevated through mid-2023.

Side Delights to showcase organic potatoes and onions at OPS
Side Delights to showcase organic potatoes and onions at OPS

Fresh Solutions Network, the exclusive supplier of Side Delights potatoes and onions, says it plans to showcase its newly redesigned Side Delights Organic potatoes and onions at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit.

Alsum Farms to celebrate 50 years of ‘Growing Goodness’
Alsum Farms to celebrate 50 years of ‘Growing Goodness’

A half-century in the making, the Friesland, Wis.-based fresh market grower, packer and shipper of Wisconsin Healthy Grown potatoes, pumpkins and onions is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.

Get to know the growers leading Potatoes USA’s committees
Get to know the growers leading Potatoes USA’s committees

The Potatoes USA Board consists of five committees guided by nine industry members. The committees include international marketing, domestic marketing, industry outreach, research, and finance and policy.

Side Delights kicks off the grilling season with summer potato products
Side Delights kicks off the grilling season with summer potato products

Side Delights is starting grilling season with grill-ready potato products and recipes as consumers continue to value meals at home.

Mike Carter to serve as Potatoes USA chairman for 2023-24
Mike Carter to serve as Potatoes USA chairman for 2023-24

Carter, a 25-year veteran in the potato industry and CEO and co-owner of Bushmans' Inc., has contributed his expertise to the Potatoes USA board of directors for a decade.

Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA donate to local food pantry
Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA donate to local food pantry

Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA have donated more than 600 pounds of potatoes to the Vilas Food Pantry in Eagle River, Wis.

Researchers seek new strategies to combat yield-reducing potato disease
Researchers seek new strategies to combat yield-reducing potato disease

Michigan State University scientists have been awarded $750,000 by the USDA to develop new ways to manage potato early die disease, which can reduce potato yields by 50%.

USDA announces big fresh vegetable purchases
USDA announces big fresh vegetable purchases

The USDA has announced a purchase of vegetable products for distribution to the National School Lunch Program and other Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs for fiscal year 2023.

Nominations open for 2024 Potatoes USA board members
Nominations open for 2024 Potatoes USA board members

Potatoes USA is seeking to fill 60 open seats, with each board member serving a three-year term.

Bags of 'less-than-perfect' potatoes launched for environmentally conscious consumers
Bags of 'less-than-perfect' potatoes launched for environmentally conscious consumers

California-based Side Delights is introducing Spuds, a reduced-cost imperfect potato line packaged in 10-pound bags.

Progressive Produce anticipates good quality in California potato crop
Progressive Produce anticipates good quality in California potato crop

The Los Angeles-based grower-packer-shipper’s potato season is ramping up following weather-related delays for organic and conventional potatoes.

U.S. potato exports reached $2.1B in 2022, Potatoes USA reports
U.S. potato exports reached $2.1B in 2022, Potatoes USA reports

In 2022, U.S. potato exports reached a record $2.1 billion in sales, according to Denver-based Potatoes USA, citing Trade Data Monitor.

Idaho potatoes are first vegetable to participate in American Diabetes Association Better Choices for Life program
Idaho potatoes are first vegetable to participate in American Diabetes Association Better Choices for Life program

The Idaho Potato Commission and the American Diabetes Association have agreed to a partnership intended to help educate tens of millions of Americans on how to add Idaho potatoes to their meal plan.

AWG Innovation Showcase provides opportunity to show off Little Potato Co. brand refresh
AWG Innovation Showcase provides opportunity to show off Little Potato Co. brand refresh

The March 20-22 Associated Wholesale Grocers Innovation Showcase in Overland Park, Kan., was the perfect place for The Little Potato Co. to show off its refreshed brand.

Side Delights make meatless Mondays easy with potato products and recipes
Side Delights make meatless Mondays easy with potato products and recipes

Potato brand Side Delights offers options for consumers seeking meat alternatives in their meals, according to a news release.

Export value increases for all U.S. potato types from July through December
Export value increases for all U.S. potato types from July through December

The value of U.S. potato exports was up for all potato types in that six-month period, compared with the same months in 2021, according to data published by Potatoes USA.

Consumers dish on potato preferences in Fresh Trends survey
Consumers dish on potato preferences in Fresh Trends survey

The most favored potato variety is still the russet, according to The Packer's Fresh Trends 2023 survey.

RJ Andrus elected National Potato Council president
RJ Andrus elected National Potato Council president

During its annual summit in Washington, D.C., the National Potato Council appointed its next president and selected its executive committee for the coming year.

Photos: National Potato Council's 2023 Washington Summit
Photos: National Potato Council's 2023 Washington Summit

See who was in the nation's capital for the kickoff of the National Potato Council 2023 Washington Summit.

Why Dominic LaJoie is The Packer’s 2023 Potato Person of the Year
Why Dominic LaJoie is The Packer’s 2023 Potato Person of the Year

Several people were honored and their personalities celebrated as industry leaders prepared to advocate for potato-focused policies with legislators during the National Potato Council Washington Summit.

New report shows potatoes are a ‘driving force of America’s prosperity’
New report shows potatoes are a ‘driving force of America’s prosperity’

The National Potato Council has released a “Spud Nation” report, which finds the potato supply chain drove $100.9 billion in U.S. economic activity and supported more than 714,000 jobs in 2021.

Potatoes offer one solution to food inflation
Potatoes offer one solution to food inflation

If consumers are looking to get the most bang for their buck, the potato category at their grocer is the place they should make sure they shop, says Carissa Olsen, president and CEO of NoKota Packers, Inc., Buxton, N.D.

Side Delights celebrates American Heart Month with heart-healthy eating options
Side Delights celebrates American Heart Month with heart-healthy eating options

Side Delights is promoting heart-healthy eating changes that can reduce the conditions that put consumers at risk.

2022 U.S. fresh potato exports are up in value, down in volume
2022 U.S. fresh potato exports are up in value, down in volume

The volume of U.S. fresh potato exports jumped 10% in the calendar year 2022 despite an 8% drop in volume, USDA statistics reveal.

Potatoes represent best value for produce consumers, marketing director says
Potatoes represent best value for produce consumers, marketing director says

Despite elevated pricing for potatoes, retailers are learning that potatoes are still the “pound for pound” best value in the produce department, says Ross Johnson.

MountainKing expands crawfish offerings with new 3-pound boil-in-bag packs
MountainKing expands crawfish offerings with new 3-pound boil-in-bag packs

Known for its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, the company has added a 3-pound Crawfish Medley Pack and a 3-pound Crawfish Gold Pack.

Yellow potato demand continues to climb
Yellow potato demand continues to climb

The biggest trend this year for OC Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D., is the continued demand for yellow potatoes.

Russet promotions slow, prices up with shorter crop
Russet promotions slow, prices up with shorter crop

A USDA retail price report showed the average advertised price for a 10-pound bag of russet potatoes on Feb. 3 was $4.72, up 4% from $4.53 the same time a year ago. 

Potato sales are up in 2022 but volume down slightly
Potato sales are up in 2022 but volume down slightly

All potato retail sales increased by 14.4% in 2022 but fell in volume by 1.5%, according to statistics published by Potatoes USA and compiled by IRI.

Washington potato farmers head to the state capital for Potato Day
Washington potato farmers head to the state capital for Potato Day

Potato farmers from across Washington state will travel to Olympia, Wash., to celebrate Potato Day on Feb. 21.

Side Delights eyes small kitchen appliance trend
Side Delights eyes small kitchen appliance trend

Side Delights seeks to offer cost-saving and nutritious shopping solutions for potatoes, as consumers increasingly embrace small kitchen appliances.

Potato Expo 2023 returns to prepandemic attendance levels
Potato Expo 2023 returns to prepandemic attendance levels

More than 1,800 attendees and 175 exhibitors convened at the Colorado event.