Though still the American market’s most popular potato variety, russet potatoes have dipped in popularity in recent years, says one of the country’s leading potato growers.
“The russet potato market has slightly declined,” says Randy Shell of RPE Produce, a potato and onion supplier with russet potato operations in Wisconsin, Idaho, and Colorado. While volumes over the past few years have generally shrunk, Shell says that russets still top the potato category. “Russets remain the significant share in commodity volume, and it is expected to stay that way in the near future.”
Despite the long-term overall decline, this winter has seen strong, stable sales volumes on Russets. Demand remains strong in the food service industry, says Shell, who adds that healthy harvests and steady pricing have led to a strong season for the russet category.
“All growing areas had good growing conditions with above average yields this year. Quality, out of all the areas, has been excellent to this point. We expect to see good quality and supplies for the remainder of the crop year,” says Shell. “Demand has been good, with normal to slightly above normal numbers. This has been driven by stable pricing and promotional opportunities.”
Shell adds that he expects that stability to continue through the remainder of this season’s crops. “We are predicting a normal year with good supplies expected for the remainder of the year.”
RPE Produce will be appearing at next month’s Southern Exposure show in Hollywood, FL, where the company will be showcasing its entire line of products, including russets.
