Pounds of Fresh Potatoes Sold in Supermarkets Declines for Fifth Consecutive Quarter;Dollars Up

Fresh potatoes recorded its fifth consecutive quarter of declining movement according to a report recently released by the United States Potato Board. In the 12 months ending March 31st, fresh pounds have decreased 6.8%, but the dollar value was actually up 7.7%.

In the first quarter of 2012. pounds sold at retail for russets declined 6%, while reds remained unchanged compared to the first quarter of 2011. Red and russet dollar sales were both unchanged for the most recent quarter.

Dehydrated, frozen and chips also showed declines in pounds sold in supermarkets. The frozen sector was hit the hardest, with pounds sold down 9.5% compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Only refrigerated potatoes increased pounds sold in supermarkets compared to the previous year consecutively over the last four quarters, with the largest percent increase (3.5%) in the first quarter of 2012.

Pounds of frozen potatoes sold to foodservice (restaurants and institutions) declined less tham 1% over the past 12 months, while dollar sales were up 6.6% in that same period ending March 31st.