The US potato retail sales climbed by 14.4% in dollar terms but declined by -1.5% in volume terms from January to December 2022 compared to 2021. Despite a modest drop in volume sales, volume sales are still 3.7% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

All potato categories climbed in dollar sales, with four potato categories increasing by double digits. Refrigerated and canned sales climbed by 0.7% and 2.8%, respectively, in addition to dollar sales. The greatest substantial volume loss for 2022 was in deli-prepared sides, which fell by -6.6%. All other categories of potatoes in the store had lower volume sales, with a -1.5% average reduction in volume sales.

Fresh potato dollar sales increased across the board, except for purple potatoes, which decreased in both dollars and volume. Yellow potatoes increased the highest in dollars (23.8%) and were one of two categories to increase in volume (8.5%), followed by ‘all other’ (2.4%). Purple potato volume fell -31.6%, red potato volume fell -7.2%, and white potato volume fell -5.2%.

Except for goods weighing more than 4.5kg, all pack sizes received a USD1 hike. Volume sales of 450 grams to 2.2 kg bags climbed by 0.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Only these two pack sizes increased in terms of dollars and volume sales.

In 2022, the average price per kilogram of potatoes paid by customers was USD4.74. Prices were at their greatest, though, from July to September, averaging USD5.18 per kilo. Despite price rises, consumers continue to find potatoes to be an inexpensive product, as dollar sales have increased and the amount of potatoes purchased remains higher than in 2019.