Recent consumer trends for potatoes point toward the desire for convenience and variety.
“The current trends are microwaveable bags, specialty mini potatoes, and packaging refreshes,” said Ralph Schwartz, directory of category management for Potandon Produce LLC, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Speed of preparation seems to be a common factor among new product releases.
“We all know convenience is a critical component of consumer shopping behaviors,” said Seth Pemsler, vice president for retail and international for the Idaho Potato Commission, Idaho Falls.
Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wis., the parent company of Market Fresh Produce LLC, Nixa, Mo., revealed a new line of specialty potato products at Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit 2012 in October.
