The variety of packaging selections from Wisconsin potato growers seems rather plentiful.
Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce offers pack options ranging from 12 ounces to 50-pound packs in poly, mesh, paper or cartons, according to Christine Lindner, marketing manager for Alsum.
More than 95% of Alsum Farms potatoes are sold in consumer packs.
Top sellers are the 5-pound russet baker, yellow and red potato packs, she says. There also are 10-pound russet and yellow packs and a 5-pound specialty creamer red and yellow potato blend.
“Alsum Farms & Produce offers attractive farmer-focused packaging to connect the consumer with the grower,” Lindner says. “In addition, Alsum’s packaging is visually appealing with appetizing potato recipes to provide consumers inspiration in the produce aisle.”
Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wis., also can pack in numerous configurations, says CEO Mike Carter.
“The retail industry, by-and-large, expects all of their vendors to pack in their label,” he says. And retailers usually want 5- and 10-pound bags.
Most of Bushmans’ potatoes have always been sold in consumer packs, Carter says. But the size of those packages has been shrinking.
“There has been a constant shift to smaller pack sizes over the past couple of decades,” he says.
“It used to be that 10-pounders were king,” Carter says, but today 5-pounders are stealing the spotlight, and retailers are applying more pressure on their suppliers to offer 3-pounders.
