Latest News From Potatoes & Onions Marketing

With Northwest onion crop yields cut short by hot weather, shipping point prices for onions were well above year-ago levels in late October.

The South Texas Onion Marketing Order isn’t dead yet.

Market conditions for potatoes were running above year-ago levels in late October and early November.

Browse potato and onion business updated from companies such as Fresh Solution Network, Mack Farms, National Onion Association and more.

Marketing to different ethnic and demographic groups requires flexibility and a diverse portfolio of products, marketers say.

Idaho Falls, Idaho-based Eagle Eye Produce is “putting a bigger focus on building our brand and promoting the people behind the brand," said Joe Ange, director of business development.

Jessica Crowther has been promoted to chief marketing officer with the Monte Vista-based Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, said Jim Ehrlich, executive director.

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms plans to have a revamped packing shed operational by the first of the year, said Delbert Bland, president.

Specialty varieties play a central role in marketing potatoes and onions, marketers say.

Potato and onion suppliers say they will have plenty of product on hand for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts in 2020.

Potato and onion marketers say COVID-19 has forced them to alter plans in certain channels, but the pandemic hasn’t stopped them.

Even in a pandemic year — or, perhaps, because of it — potatoes and onions are an easy sell, marketers say.

Winter may be dawning during the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday period, but for potato and onion marketers, things are heating up.

Bancroft, Wisc.-based RPE Inc. is set to reveal a new bite-sized potato to their Tasteful Selections product lineup.

The plethora of potato packs now displayed on produce department shelves offers consumers options to fill their potato needs, but they could be cutting into category profits if they’re not merchandised properly.

Movement of organic potatoes and onions has been sluggish at times, but most organic growers say consumer demand generally remains strong as they continue to serve the market.

Potato and onion trade groups have planned a plethora of promotions to encourage consumption of their product. Here’s a look at some of the activities now underway.

Retailers and consumers can look for plenty of good-quality onions over the coming months, grower-shippers say.

Potato supplies should be ample for the holidays and beyond, despite bad weather in some growing regions and an overall dip in production.

Tough growing conditions in some regions — and a wide range of temperatures during harvest — led to a U.S. potato crop that marketers describe as about average.

Wada Farms Marketing Group has a joint venture with Nyssa, Ore.-based Owyhee Produce to grow and ship sweet potatoes out of the Treasure Valley.

The Greeley, Colo.-based National Onion Association recently completed a fall promotion focusing on recipe ideas, said Kim Reddin, spokeswoman for the association.

Potandon Produce introduced its low-carbohydrate CarbSmart potato at Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit show in October.

Variety spices up the potato business, marketers say.

If there ever were a year to make money on onions, this could be it, marketers say.