In a recent update, Potatoes USA highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at building long-term demand for U.S. potatoes. The organization emphasized that its approach focuses on sustained education, research, and collaboration across multiple sectors, rather than short-term market responses.
According to the board and staff, their primary goal is to strengthen potato demand over time through consistent consumer education and awareness. Much of this work involves projects that take years to reach completion but are designed to deliver measurable outcomes for growers and the broader industry.
© Potatoes USA
One area of focus is international investment in U.S. processing capacity. Potatoes USA works with overseas companies interested in developing processing facilities in the United States. The process can take several years, from identifying potential investors to the completion of new facilities, but it is seen as an important step toward expanding processing capabilities for future production.
Another long-term strategy involves collaborating with chefs at restaurant chains to develop new potato-based menu items. These partnerships can take multiple years to move from initial discussions to final menu launches. For example, collaboration with the restaurant chain Twin Peaks began in 2019, and by 2021, it resulted in several limited-time potato dishes. Following those trials, new baked potato menu items were added in 2024, increasing overall potato use within the chain.
Research on potato nutrition remains another priority area. The Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE), founded in 2011, has since produced dozens of peer-reviewed studies examining the nutritional role of potatoes in the human diet. The ongoing research aims to provide scientific evidence that informs nutrition communication within both professional and consumer contexts.
Potatoes USA also works under its Culinary Medicine initiative to educate healthcare professionals about the role of potatoes in balanced diets. Parallel efforts target consumers, focusing on improving public understanding of potato nutrition and shifting perceptions through factual communication.
In retail, the organization promotes merchandising practices designed to increase potato sales. These include sharing sales data and best practices with retailers to demonstrate how optimized potato displays can influence overall store performance.
The organization noted that all programs are reviewed and informed by industry input gathered through its annual Grower Survey, which helps determine future priorities.
© Potatoes USAFor more information:
Meg Mulcahy
Potatoes USA
Email: [email protected]
www.potatoesusa.com
