Summary of the 2023 Total Fresh Potato Retail Sales from January 1 through December 31, 2023.
- Potato retail sales increased in dollar sales by +6.7% but decreased in volume sales by -2.1% from in 2023 compared to 2022.
- Inflationary pressures continue to impact the retail market with avg retail price per lb increases of +9.0% in 2023 on top of an increase of +16.5% in 2022.
- Russet potatoes are growing in dollars, but declining in volume, while Red and White potatoes are declining in dollars and volume in 2023.
- Yellow and Small/Fingerling potatoes are growing in dollars and volume in 2023.
Retail Fresh Potato Historical Sales Trends
Calendar Year 2019 - 2023
Retail Fresh Potato Sales By Type
Calendar Year 2023
Source: Circana Retail Sales – Total US MULO – WE 12 31 23
Russet potato pricing remains relatively flat. Movement in the first part of January was average to slightly above average. We are entering February Potato Lovers Month where Idaho potato advertising and promotions shine.
In mid-February, Florida growers are set to introduce a fresh batch of red potatoes to the market. The Red River Valley is actively seeking business opportunities for red B-size potatoes. Reach out to your RPE sales representative for promotional opportunities.
The shipping of yellow potatoes is maintaining a favorable pace, with abundant products still located in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho and Canada. Notably, a two-tier pricing structure based on quality is in effect. While pricing for lower-quality potatoes remains unchanged, there is a gradual increase in pricing for higher-quality ones.
In the Northeast, supplies of white potatoes are plentiful, primarily concentrated near the shipping location. Pricing for white potatoes remains stable, and a new crop of white potatoes is anticipated to be available in Florida shortly after the middle of February.
Fingerling potatoes continue to be accessible in Colorado, Idaho and California, with both demand and pricing showing relative stability.
The overall onion demand has been robust at the start of 2024. White onion supplies are in very few hands and are hard to come by, making it a tight white onion market. The red and yellow markets are also strong, with supplies available in the major growing regions of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The pricing continues to remain strong and inch up as we get closer to the end of the season. The winter storms have impacted and caused truck, and some shed production delays.
