New data offers grocery retailers region-specific, actionable insights to drive fresh potato sales
For the first time, Potatoes USA has released a comprehensive series of regional retail sales reports, providing an in-depth look at the factors driving fresh potato performance across eight distinct markets across the United States. This new resource equips category managers and produce teams with region-specific, actionable insights to refine assortment, promotion, and merchandising strategies regionally.
The reports are part of a broader, national effort by Potatoes USA to deepen engagement and collaboration with retailers and provide useful tools that directly support store-level decision-making and strategic category growth.
“This initiative is about helping retailers uncover opportunities in their own region,” said Nick Bartelme, Potatoes USA Global Retail Development Manager.
“Potato performance varies widely across the country. By breaking the data down regionally, we’re giving retailers a sharper lens on consumer demand in their markets—insights that inform how they merchandise, promote, and prioritize potato products in store. Whether it’s capitalizing on rising trends like medleys or tailoring product assortments to meet local preferences, these reports support more precise, growth-oriented strategies.”
Key Takeaways by Region:
- California showed strong preference for large pack sizes, including 10-pound bags, and an increase in petite sales by 21.7%.
- Great Lakes retailers saw year-over-year decline in in dollar sales even as volume grew, notably in yellow and petite.
- Mid-South volume grew, with russets and petite growing faster than national average.
- Northeast retailers saw increased demand for russets and petite, while whites fell faster than the national average.
- Southeast reported dollar sales declined but lifted volume, with russets impacted the most, while over-indexing on red potatoes.
- South Central experienced steeper declines in both dollar sales and volume compared to the national average.
- Plains shoppers shifted to larger pack sizes, with russets and yellows growing while other types lost volume.
- West unit sales outperformed the national average, with significant contributions from white, yellow and petite. The West has an above average share of organic potato sales and growth.
Retailers interested in a deeper dive into their region’s data can reach out to Potatoes USA for a complimentary consultation. Full reports are now available and can be downloaded at PotatoGoodness.com.
Source: Potatoes USA
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