Using secondary displays to shine a spotlight on potatoes is more important than ever in today’s economic climate, advised Kent Beesley, Idaho Potato Commission retail promotion director-West/Canada.

Despite higher prices, consumers in the Northeast and Midwest can’t seem to get their fill of Idaho potatoes, reported Mike Krage, retail promotion director-Northeast/Midwest for the Idaho Potato Commission.

“We are in our third year of double-digit sales increases within the potato category in our region,” Krage said. “We’re running almost 20 percent up in dollars, even with Idaho having out-of-stock situations this year for the first time in a very long time.”

Southeast shoppers are flexing their muscles in the produce department as they increasingly opt for eight- and 10-pound bags of Idaho potatoes rather than the traditional five-pound pack.

Quality over quantity is the watchword for the 2022 russet crop in Idaho, as growers grappled with increased input costs and weather challenges that led to fewer acres being planted.

“The potato quality looks amazing this year — maybe the best in recent memory,” said Travis Blacker, vice president of industry relations and research for the Idaho Potato Commission. “I’ve heard from growers all over the state that they are really impressed with the potatoes they dug during this year’s harvest.”

The traditional russet may be the darling of Idaho potato lovers, but the state’s red and yellow tubers have a growing fan base, thanks to their standout skin coloring. In fact, Idaho is now the No. 1 supplier of yellow potatoes in the United States.

On May 1, Idaho potatoes became the first U.S. spuds across the southern border under a new trade agreement that opened up all of Mexico for fresh American tubers.