
Potatoes USA’s mission is to strengthen the demand for potatoes through marketing and research. (Photo by Gilberto Olimpio on Unsplash)
DENVER — U.S. retail sales of potatoes remained strong from January–December 2024, as volume sales increased 3.1%, and dollar sales rose 0.7% to $18.2 billion. All categories of potatoes increased in volume sales.
Key Category Highlights
Volume sales rose for the three largest potato categories — chips (+2.5%), fresh (+3%) and frozen (+4.5%). Chips maintained their top volume sales position at 37% of total sales, followed by fresh at 33% and frozen at 17%.
Canned potatoes are a small category (0.03%) but saw significant growth in volume sales (+15.9%).
All calculations are based on Fresh Weight Equivalent.
Fresh Potatoes: Volume Sales Up, Dollar Sales Down as Prices Drop
While overall volume sales for fresh potatoes increased, dollar sales declined 4.9% and were mixed across categories as consumer prices fell. For example, fingerling dollar sales increased by 11.6% followed by medley (10.1%) and yellow (5.2%). At the same time, dollar sales of russets decreased 8.8%, along with white (-10.2%), red (-9.8%) and purple potatoes (-9.5%).
Volume sales grew for all fresh potato pack sizes except those greater than 10 pounds, which decreased 26.2% by volume sales and 31.9% by dollar sales. Volume sales of 8-pound pack sizes grew 23.8%; 2-4-pound pack sizes grew 6.8%; and 10-pound pack sizes grew 4.6%.
Chips, Frozen and Other Types: Volume, Dollar Sales Up
The other two largest categories by volume — chips and frozen — saw volume sales rise along with dollar sales in 2024. Chips saw a 2.5% volume sales increase, and dollar sales increased by 2.1% to $8.8 billion. Frozen potatoes saw a 4.5% volume sales increase, and dollar sales increased by 3.18% to $3.3 billion. All other categories, including instant, refrigerated and canned potatoes, as well as deli-prepared sides, increased both volume and dollar sales.
Circana (IRI) compiles these figures by working directly with retailers. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
About Potatoes USA
As representatives of U.S. potato growers and importers, Potatoes USA’s mission is to strengthen the demand for potatoes through marketing and research. By launching impactful marketing campaigns; coordinating regional, national, and international market and production research; and establishing new trade markets, Potatoes USA promotes the benefits of potatoes to audiences across the globe, including consumers, foodservice operators, retailers, and health professionals. For more information on America’s Favorite Vegetable, please visit PotatoGoodness.com and PotatoesUSA.com.
–Potatoes USA