Frozen Potato Usage Down, Chips Up in Potatoes USA’s Latest Foodservice Report
Potatoes USA has published its latest Foodservice Volumetric Report, covering the 12-month period from July 2023 to June 2024, revealing a 1.6% year-on-year decline in total potato volume sold across the U.S. foodservice sector. Despite the drop in volume, the overall market value rose by 2.4%, underlining the ongoing importance and resilience of potatoes in a changing consumption landscape.
The report provides detailed insights across key product categories used in foodservice, with frozen potatoes continuing to dominate.
Frozen Potato Products Decline Slightly, Fries Remain Dominant
Total volume of frozen potato products reached 11.38 billion pounds (5.16 million metric tonnes), representing a 1.8% decrease year-on-year. Within this segment, French fries accounted for 81%, followed by tots/shapes (6%), formed hash browns (5%), other frozen (4%), other breakfast potatoes (2%), and loose hash browns (2%).
Potato Chips Gain Ground
In contrast to frozen products, potato chips saw a 1.3% increase in volume, totaling 1.296 billion pounds (587,855 metric tonnes), suggesting strong demand in the snack segment, particularly across quick-service and non-commercial channels.
Refrigerated and Dehydrated Potatoes See Minor Declines
Refrigerated potato volume was slightly down at 658 million pounds (298,464 metric tonnes), a 0.75% decline from the previous year. Dehydrated potato usage fell 4% to 1.044 billion pounds (473,550 metric tonnes), with the segment primarily comprised of mashed products (59%), loose (34%), casseroles (4%), and other applications (3%).
Non-Commercial Sector Shows Growth
Potatoes USA also noted a notable gain in the non-commercial foodservice sector—including healthcare, education, and travel—which added one million pounds in fresh weight equivalent compared to the previous year. This category now accounts for 22% of total foodservice potato volume, indicating renewed strength in institutional and hospitality segments.
Industry Outlook
While total volume declined modestly, the 2024 report reflects a sector still showing resilience amid economic pressures and shifting consumer behavior. The data underscores continued demand for convenient, value-added potato products and the growing influence of snacks and non-commercial channels in driving category performance.
The Foodservice Volumetric Report is a key annual resource provided by Potatoes USA to support decision-making across the U.S. potato supply chain.
