Potato retail sales grew 16.0% while volume declined by -4.4% from January to March 2023 compared to the same period last year. Despite a drop, volume sales remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

All potato categories gained in dollar sales, with frozen potatoes leading the way at 41.9%, followed by instant potatoes at 16.5%, and fresh potatoes at 12.7%. Only deli-prepared sides saw a rise in volume sales (+2.1%). The greatest substantial volume decreases in 2023 were for instant potatoes (-7.6%) and refrigerated potatoes (-5.8%). Potato volume sales were down in most categories in the store, with a -4.4% average reduction.

Except for white, fingerling, and purple potatoes, fresh potato dollar sales increased across the board. Fresh Yellow, petite, and medley potato sales increased in both monetary and volume terms. The average price per pound for fresh potatoes was $1.01, up 18.7% from the previous year, according to a recent Potatoes USA press release.

Except for goods weighing more than ten pounds, all pack sizes received a $1 hike. Only one- to two-pound bags increased in both dollars and volume, increasing by 4.3% and 3.7%, respectively. The greatest volume sales losses were in bags weighing more than ten pounds (-51.3%) and eight pounds (-21.6%).

Circana (IRI) compiles these figures through direct contact with shops. Potatoes USA assumes no responsibility for the content of these reports or the results of any actions made in reliance on the information included in them.