NoKota Packers report above-average quality in Red River Valley
With reports of above-average quality, fresh potato harvest for NoKota Packers will likely continue into the third or fourth week of October, says Carissa Olsen, president and CEO of the Buxton, N.D.-based marketer.
Olsen said NoKota has been packing and shipping potatoes in the small farming community in Buxton since 1979.
“In a typical year we store, wash, pack, sell and ship out over 700,000 cwt of potatoes,” Olsen said.
This year, growing conditions were fairly dry in most growing regions.
“But once again, potatoes show their resiliency, and the yield has been average,” she said. “Quality has been average to above average. We maintained our usual number of acres but have switched some acres from reds to yellows.”
In fact, Olsen said five years ago, the NoKota offered only red potatoes.
“Last year we dabbled in yellows a little bit and it went well,” she said. “This year we have about an 80/20 mix of reds and yellows, reds still being our main color.”
Olsen said the Red River Valley continues to produce quality potatoes.
“Our regional association, Northern Plains Potato Growers Association has continued to adapt with the changing needs and wants of our customers and consumers to promote our spuds in the best way possible,” she said. “They will be rolling out some exciting new looks for our brand and promotions as a strong potato producing region."
2021 rewind and looking ahead
For the 2021/22 crop and marketing year, Olsen said NoKota was down in tonnage due to the drought conditions throughout the spring and summer. Even so, she said quality was average to above average on the potatoes that were shipped.
Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, demand has been stable and improving in some respects, she said.
“We are seeing business returning to normal demand post-pandemic,” Olsen said. “We saw an increase in demand at the retail level during the pandemic due to their long shelf-life, affordability and versatility.” Since the foodservice business represents a smaller portion of NoKota’s demand, the company did not see a drastic change in overall demand during the pandemic.
Labor and truck issues continued to pressure potato growers and packers, she said. “Thankfully, we have a wonderful full-time and seasonal crew, and they can work through these challenges,” she said. “Truck availability and freight rates continued to climb most of the season, but we are lucky to have a lot of regular drivers that we can depend on to get most loads moved.”
Olsen said she is optimistic about the coming marketing season.
“Having a more ‘normal’ crop and the addition of more yellows to offer our customers will be a bright spot in our year,” she said. “It feels like it’s been quite a while since we have had a ‘normal’ season … it will be nice to get back to that.”
Through the company’s involvement in the Fresh Solutions Network, NoKota Packers is continuously looking for ways to offer specialty items and convenient packaging to appeal to the consumer.
“Side Delights, an exclusive brand of FSN, has continued to offer options that are quick to prepare and budget-friendly,” she said, noting coming additions from FSN in convenience items and updated packaging.
Retail promotions
While inflation is a worry, Olsen said potatoes have a number of advantages for consumers and retailers.
“Potatoes are a nutritious, shelf stable, versatile food option,” she said. “Potatoes pack more nutritional value dollar for dollar than any other fresh produce item. If stored properly, potatoes can last for weeks in your home. There are so many options to keep meals exciting (mashed, baked, roasted, etc.). We can offer a surety of supply through our shed and our partnership with Fresh Solution Network. The Network partners are vertically integrated, which allows us to control our supply and distribution across the country.”
