The meeting will examine the “fruit and vegetable industry issues and provide recommendations and ideas on how USDA can tailor programs and services to better meet the needs of the U.S. produce industry.”
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.
U.S. sales of organic food products were an estimated $26.9 billion in 2010 (inflation adjusted to 2021 dollars) and reached $52 billion in 2021, according to a USDA report.
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.
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.
P.J.K. Food Service LLC, doing business as Keany Produce & Gourmet, Landover, Md., has been awarded a maximum $284.3 million federal contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables.
