The supply of Russet potatoes from Idaho is still ample in quantity and quality. "Idaho in general may struggle to move the excess supplies before a new crop arrives in mid to late August," says Rachel Atkinson-Leach, vice president, brand & category excellence for RPE LLC. "Russet supplies are adequate in all non-Idaho shipping regions and should last until next season."
A look at the spring 2024 harvest of Tasteful Selections Bite-Size potatoes.
She also notes that the quality will be average in some areas as growers have to cull a higher-than-normal amount to ship No. 1 quality.
Over on red potatoes, a lack of supply will put increased pressure on moving to yellow supplies and thus increase pricing. "The market will not experience any relief on red supplies from Florida and nothing indicates that the Hastings, Florida region is anticipating a bumper crop," she says. California starts in mid-May and Texas anticipates a late June/early July start date. However, both regions have planted the same number of acres as last year. Organic russets and varietal potatoes will be sourced from Colorado through May.
Keeping demand strong
Meanwhile on demand, Easter movement was up slightly this year on all varieties compared to a year ago. To encourage strong movement, RPE also recommends promoting russets and bite-size potatoes over the next few months. "We work with our retail partners strategically through our category management efforts to help plan out promotions months in advance so many retailers are shifting focus to more Russet promotions and are just beginning their bite-size promotions," says Atkinson-Leach.
"Many retailers are shifting focus to more Russet promotions and are just beginning their bite-size promotions," says Atkinson-Leach.
On red potatoes, demand will exceed supply from now through June. "Expect demand for other varieties, especially yellows and bite-size potatoes to strengthen as reds become scarce," adds Atkinson-Leach.
As for Russet pricing, market pricing isn't expected to change until the smaller shipping regions run out of supplies which will likely happen around Memorial Day.
Looking ahead, Atkinson-Leach says new crop bite-size potatoes with excellent quality will arrive from both the West Coast and Florida in the next few weeks, and pricing in this category is also expected to remain stable. Harvesting will go through May.
For more information:
Rachel Atkinson-Leach
RPE, LLC
Tel: +1 (800) 678-2789 ext. 602
Rachel.Atkinson-Leach@rpespud.com
https://www.rpespud.com/