DENVER, CO - U.S. retail sales of potatoes maintained strong volume over the nine-month period from July 2024 to March 2025. Despite a small (-0.5%) drop in dollar sales to $14.72 billion, total potato retail sales increased 2.3% by volume compared to the same period last year, underscoring continued consumer demand for the versatile, nutrient-dense vegetable.

Key Drivers and Category Performance

Sales volume over the July 2024-March 2025 period increased for fresh potatoes (+2%), chips (+2.6%), and frozen potatoes (+4.9%). Sales volume declined for deli-prepared sides and dehydrated potatoes (-4.5% and -2.7%, respectively), though dehydrated potatoes represent less than 6% of total volume sales, and deli-prepared sides represent less than 1% measured by fresh weight equivalent.

Dollar sales rose for potato chips (+1.6%) and refrigerated/deli potatoes (+2.3%), but declined most significantly for fresh potatoes (-4.7%) and dehydrated potatoes (-3.2%).

Fresh Retail Price and Pack Size

Consumer prices for potatoes fell each quarter of this period (July-September 2024, October-December 2024, January-March 2025) compared to the same quarters the year prior. The average retail price for all potatoes declined 2.8% in July 2024 – March 2025 to $2.26 per pound, driven by a 6.6% price drop in fresh potatoes to $0.89 per pound.

Among fresh types, russet prices fell the most at 13.6%. Only refrigerated/deli potatoes (1.5%) and deli-prepared sides (1.9%) saw price increases.

Volume sales grew for all fresh potato pack sizes except for five-pound packs and those greater than 10 pounds. Volume sales for eight-pound packs grew the most (+18.5%), followed by two- to four-pound packs (+10.8%) and packs between one and less than two pounds (+6.4%). Both volume sales (-27.1%) and dollar sales (-11.4%) declined for packs over 10 pounds.

Sales by Fresh Potato Type

Sales varied by type within the fresh category. Russets (+4.3%), yellows (+3.9%), and petites (+7.3%) all saw volume increases, while reds (-14%), whites (-3.2%), medleys (-7.6%), and purple potatoes (-9.3%) all saw volume decreases.

In terms of dollar sales, overall fresh potato sales decreased 4.7%, reflecting lower retail prices. Dollar sales increased for yellows (+5.7%), petites (+3.4%), and fingerlings (+2.4%) but declined for russets (-9.9%), whites (-11.9%), reds (-8.8%), purples (-8.5%), and medleys (-2.9%).

Consumer Prices for Chips, Frozen, and Dehydrated Potatoes

Consumer prices fell for potato chips, frozen potatoes, and dehydrated potatoes in the July 2024-March 2025 period, as well as for fresh potatoes. Prices of chips fell 0.96% to $6.61 per pound compared to the same period the year prior, while frozen potatoes fell 4.8% to $2.20 per pound, and dehydrated potatoes fell 0.5% to $5.15 per pound.

The two categories that saw price increases during the period were refrigerated potatoes (+1.5% to $3.25 per pound) and deli-prepared sides (+1.9% to $1.20 per pound). These two categories make up 7.2% and 0.62% of volume sales (fresh weight equivalent), respectively.

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.