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Potatoes USA says in its latest monthly newsletter that 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. 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.

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.

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, as seen in the chart below.

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. 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.

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.

Source: Potatoes USA Photo: Credit Potatoes USA