Idaho reached a new crop high in 2017, according to the US Department of Agriculture, the preliminary being at an estimated value of USD1.2bn, a 22.7% leap from the previous year. Harvested acreage was down 5% and yields were down 1.2%.

Foodservice operators can thank a large crop of quality Idaho potatoes (approximately GBP13bn) for continued year round availability. Currently, foodservice accounts for approximately 50% of Idaho Potato sales, including fresh potatoes, as well as processed (fries and chips) and dehydrated potato products.

In 2017, potatoes overtook tomatoes as the most purchased fresh vegetable (2017 Fresh Trends Survey), and chefs across the country prepare both traditional and innovative applications to keep their customers happy. At chains, French fry sales are up as more operators offer loaded fries and two-fry menus.

“Consumers are demanding a broader variety of creative and ethnic foods that would often be too challenging, costly and time consuming to prepare at home. A variety of Idaho Potatoes products and recipe options help operators meet that demand,” says Don Odiorne, IPC VP Foodservice/Website.