The supply of potatoes across the country is ample and promotions are increasingly being put in place to move them. “We’re in a different kind of year than the last few years in that we have an excess of supply,” says Rachel Atkinson-Leach, vice president, brand & category excellence for RPE LLC. “We have volumes that have been the highest they’ve been in several years.”
Matt Smartt of Worley Family Farms checks out the russet potatoes.
This is largely seen in the red, yellow and russet potato supply. “Russets specifically are booming and we’re starting to see a lot of retailers move towards commodity ads,” she says.
The ample supply comes following a strong growing season in virtually all potato-growing regions. “This year everything went well so the yields are better on top of slightly more acreage across the United States and into Canada. It’s amazing how every growing region had this kind of year. That doesn’t happen normally,” says Atkinson-Leach (right).
State of potato demand
As for potato demand, it’s slightly flat on the commodity side of the potato category. “The retail prices were a little bit slow to come down,” she says, adding that the challenges in the current economy for consumers dealing with inflation are also a factor in demand. “People are just overall spending less and foot traffic in stores is down as well. Pick up online in some segments is doing well and in others, it’s down a bit.”
Colorado potato fields in full bloom.
Looking ahead, retail prices on potatoes are starting to come down and promotions are happening more and more, reinforcing the fact that potatoes are a notable value buy in stores, all of which could boost demand. To also help with demand, RPE recently introduced a microwaveable, sustainable tray on its Tasteful Selections brand called Potatoes Your Way bite-size potatoes. The recyclable fiber tray will also be incorporated into the entire range of micro-trays later this year.
For more information:
Rachel Atkinson-Leach
RPE, LLC
Tel: +1 (800) 678-2789 ext. 602
[email protected]
https://www.rpespud.com/