Potato retail sales in the United States climbed by 17.2% in dollar terms but declined by -1.3% in volume terms from October to December 2022 as compared to the same period the previous year. Despite a modest decline in volume sales, volume sales remain higher than before the pandemic.

“All categories of potatoes increased in dollar sales, with the most significant occurring for frozen potatoes by 33.1%, followed by fresh potato sales at 20% and instant potatoes at 14.5%. Refrigerated potatoes were the only category to increase volume sales (3.3%). The largest decline in volume during the last quarter of 2022 was instant potatoes (-7.6%) and canned potatoes (-4.9%). Volume sales for potatoes were down for all other categories in the store, with an average decline of -1.3%,” according to the most recent Potatoes USA report.

Except for fingerling and purple potatoes, fresh potato dollar sales increased. Purple, white, and red potatoes experienced the greatest reduction in volume sales in the fourth quarter of 2022, falling -34.4%, -10.0%, and -9.3%, respectively.

Except for goods weighing more than 4.5 kilograms, all pack sizes witnessed a dollar hike. Volume sales for all pack sizes of five pounds or less grew, with 2.2 kg bags (8.3%) and bags less than 2.2 kg (3.8%) showing the most significant increases.

“On average, consumers spend USD4.74 per kilo for potatoes at retail, which is less than the prior quarter’s average cost of USD5.18 per kilo. Amidst the price increases, consumers still find potatoes to be an affordable product as dollar sales have continued to grow, and the volume of potatoes consumers purchase remains above levels in 2019,” the report concludes.