Retail consumers spent more on potatoes

Potato retail sales increased in dollar sales but decreased in volume sales from July 2021 - June 2022, compared to the same timeframe a year ago, according to a Potatoes USA press release. As consumer prices increased by 10.5%, retail dollar sales increased by 5.7%. The total volume sales decreased 4.4% from the same time a year ago, but they remained above volume sales prior to the pandemic. Dollar sales have continuously increased over the last five years. Volume sales have ranged between 6.7 to 7 billion pounds of potatoes sold at retail, according to the release. 

Total store retail sales

All retail potato categories increased in dollar sales and declined in volume sales. Although, all categories, except for deli-prepared sides, have a higher volume than before the pandemic, according to Potatoes USA. 

Frozen potato sales account for 15% of potato sales and 18% of potato volume across the store. Frozen potatoes increased 2.8% in dollars and decreased 4.3% in volume. Straight-cut frozen fries make up the largest volume share of the frozen potato category, according to the release. 

Fresh potato sales increased by 3% in dollars but fell by 5.6% in volume. The price per pound for fresh potatoes increased by 9.1%, but the average cost is still under $1, according to the release. Most fresh potato types increased in dollar sales but declined in volume sales, except for one type: yellow potatoes. Yellow potatoes increased by 12% in dollars and by 4.6% in volume sales. However, russet potatoes remain the top volume share among all fresh potato types at 59%. Fresh potato sales account for 23% of retail store sales and 28% of volume sold.

When looking at fresh package types, micro/steamer and tray potatoes are the only two categories that increased in dollar and volume sales. Micro/steamer potatoes increased by 4.5% in dollars and by 2.6% in volume, while tray potatoes increased by 8.4% in dollars and by 1% in volume sales, according to the release. The only category to increase in dollar and volume sales for pack sizes was one to under two pounds, which grew by 9.2% in dollars and 2.4% in volume. All pack sizes eight pounds or greater saw the most significant volume sales decline but also had the largest price increases.