EEUU: "We are working with one of the biggest potato harvests we have ever seen."

The supply of potatoes in the United States is currently high. "We’re working with one of the largest harvests we’ve ever seen, with high volume across most segments and sizes," says Craig Fields, senior vice president of sales for the potato category at Grimmway Produce Group.

Compared to this time last year, supply is significantly higher, with greater total volume in storage, partly due to more product ready for sale and higher yields in key growing regions. "Last year we focused more on managing critical points and balancing programs. This year the focus is on how to move the harvest efficiently and create demand to keep the product moving," explains Fields.

This good harvest is attributed to the favorable growing conditions for potatoes this year. Adequate moisture and generally moderate temperatures have contributed to high yields and good tuber set. Although there were some localized weather problems, such as heat or excessive humidity in some areas, nothing widespread enough to significantly limit the overall harvest. As a result, the sector is enjoying high yields, good quality, and a large volume to sell.

A normal development of the campaign is expected. Furthermore, the timing of this campaign is generally normal or slightly early, depending on the region: most of the supply comes from traditional potato-growing regions, such as the Northwest, the northern Midwest, parts of Canada, Idaho, and Colorado. "A reasonably favorable spring and growing season have allowed the fields to progress without major delays. Good planting windows and generally favorable weather have contributed to healthy crops and high yields," says Fields, who notes that with a harvest of this size, the season is expected to proceed as normal or even extend a little longer, while exporters work to move existing stocks.

As for demand, it’s decent. " Retail remains stable, with good movement in value-oriented packaging and everyday potatoes," says Fields. " Food service demand is good, but not enough to move such an abundant crop. There’s normal demand against an unusually large supply, which, naturally, is keeping prices down." This means that shippers will focus on moving the product through promotions and programs. If demand cooperates, the price could stabilize at reasonable levels.

Creativity is also essential to keep the harvest moving. “Some suppliers, including ourselves, take advantage of the large harvest to launch new or expanded offerings, such as higher-value packaging (larger bags, family packs), specialty or convenience products like microwaveable potatoes, baby potatoes, specific varieties or brand lines, and program flexibility to enable more frequent or larger retail offers ,” says Fields. In fact, Grimmway Produce Group™ is expanding its Cal-Organic Farms® organic vegetable portfolio to include a new program of sustainably grown baby potatoes, available year-round and packaged in stylish mesh bags that showcase freshness and premium quality .

Price Update:Regarding prices, both the large harvest and strong competition among shippers are putting downward pressure on prices in most categories. "Compared to previous weeks, prices have remained stable or decreased slightly, particularly for items with larger stocks," says Fields. "Prices are lower than this time last year for many items, especially bulk and some boxed products. Promotional opportunities are more readily available now than a year ago, simply because there is more product to support promotions and programs. From a buyer’s perspective, this is a high-value market. From a grower/shipper’s perspective, margins are tighter."

Looking ahead, with such a bountiful harvest, prices are likely to remain defensive or stable unless there is a significant surge in demand or unexpected quality issues that restrict available volume later on. "The challenge is ensuring we move volume quickly enough to anticipate storage problems and align freight, labor, and customer demand with the pace of shipments," says Fields.

For more information:Craig FieldsRPE, LLC/Grimmway Produce GroupTel.: +1 (800) 678-2789salesinfo@rpespud.comhttps://www.rpespud.com/