2021 retail potato sales jump compared to 2019, but lag 2020 pace

Potato sales in 2021 were up compared with pre-pandemic levels of 2019, but fell short of 2020 sales, according to a new report from potato farming marketing organization Potatoes USA. 

Compared with 2019, volume sales in 2021 increased almost 5%, the report said, citing statistics from market research company IRI. However, from 2021 to 2020, the report said, dollar sales decreased by 2.3% and volume sales decreased by 8%. 

While most categories declined in volume sales compared to 2020, dollar sales grew in 2021 for deli-prepared sides (up 11.5%), refrigerated potatoes (up 2.5%) and chips (up 0.2%), the report said.

The decline in fresh sales (down 10% in sales and volume) was largely impacted by russet sales,  the report said, as russets account for the largest volume share of the fresh potato category. 

White potato sales dipped the most of any fresh category, sinking 18.8%, according to the report.  On a volume basis, the report said, purple potatoes suffered the biggest decline, a drop of 21.9% compared with 2022.

One through 4-pound bags of potatoes saw an increase in price by almost 6%, leading to an increase in dollar sales but a decline in volume sales compared to 2020. 

“The package types showing growth compared to 2020 are micro/steamer and tray-packaged potatoes, growing by 8% or more in dollar and volume sales,” the report said.

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