Potatoes USA analysis shows how potatoes can drive cross-purchase, meal solutions and snacking
Potatoes USA analysis shows how potatoes can drive cross-purchase, meal solutions and snacking
New analysis from Potatoes USA shows that consumers' online search behavior around potatoes is revealing opportunities for retailers in-store, from cross-merchandising to meal solutions and at-home snacking.
Potatoes are America’s most popular vegetable, with shoppers purchasing more than 15.3 billion pounds annually. By examining online search trends, Potatoes USA identified how shoppers are planning meals, entertaining and preparing snacks, and how retailers can meet that demand.
Starbucks-inspired dish
Google search data shows shoppers are looking to recreate a Starbucks snack bite at home. According to Google Trends, searches for “Starbucks Potato Chive Bake recipe” are up 1,100% over the past two years, following the item’s introduction to the Starbucks menu.
Retailers can lean into this interest with in-store recipe cards, online click-to-cart bundles or cross-merchandising potatoes with complementary items such as eggs, cottage cheese, herbs and greens. The concept can also be adapted for prepared foods sections.
Homemade chips
Understanding how ChatGPT responds to potato chip queries can help retailers anticipate the products shoppers may seek when making chips at home, according to Potatoes USA.
According to SEMrush data, “how to make potato chips recipe” is among the most likely trending queries. When prompted, ChatGPT’s most common response outlines thinly-sliced russet potatoes fried in vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven, seasoned with kosher salt and aided with a deep-fry thermometer.
For retailers, ChatGPT’s “preferred” recipe reveals an opportunity to merchandise a complete chips-at-home solution by pairing russet potatoes with cooking oil, kosher salt, peelers and thermometers.
Baked potato bars
Google Trends also points to baked potato bars as an emerging trend, signaling shopper interest in meals that are affordable, easy to prepare and adaptable to different tastes.
With spring holidays approaching, retailers can take advantage of this interest by merchandising baked potato bar kits that bring together potatoes with toppings, proteins and sides into one display.
“When shoppers purchase potatoes, they open the door to countless ways to prepare and enjoy them at home,” said Nick Bartelme, global retail development manager at Potatoes USA. “By examining where potato curiosity leads online, we identified clear opportunities for retailers to tap into that interest and, in some cases, turn one potato purchase into two.”