Retail potato sales remained strong in the July-September quarter, rising 9.5% in dollar value from a year ago for all categories as volume dipped 1.7%.

Increases in dollar sales were led by canned potatoes, 45.1%; frozen, 31.8%; and instant, 17.1%.

Retail sale of frozen potatoes dropped by 5.6% in volume.

Fresh-potato sales in the quarter increased by 5.9% in dollars and slipped 0.4% in volume, according to Potatoes USA. Increases in volume by category included 3.3% for yellows, 2.8% for reds and 3.9% for fingerlings. Overall volume sales remained above pre-pandemic levels.

Price per pound for fresh potatoes in the quarter was $1.12, up 6.3% from a year ago, according to the marketing group.

Idaho is a major player in the fresh market.

“Now that the 2023 crop is out of the ground, we had spectacular yields and even better quality, which has allowed shippers to meet the demand for retail — for which we already are seeing an increase,” Ross Johnson, Idaho Potato Commission vice president of retail, told Capital Press.

Sales of all sizes of fresh potato packs increased in the July-September quarter except those heavier than 10 pounds, according to Potatoes USA. Retail sales of 10-pound packs jumped by 32.9% in dollars but dropped by 2.9% in volume.

The largest dollar sales increases were in 5- and 10-pound bags, 31.5% and 32.9%, respectively. But volume sales fell in all sizes larger than eight pounds. Increases in volume sales were 3.7% for five-pound packages and 1.3% for packs less than two pounds.

Within the commission’s retail team, “we are working with our retail partners to help them understand the consumer outlook,” Johnson said. “The average American family is concerned about their financial situation, and when it comes to shoppers, potatoes are a high priority on the grocery shopping list. So we are encouraging 10-pound bag promotions this holiday season.”