How fresh potato packers are turning small potatoes into big profits

The global potato market is growing. Consumer demand is on the up, with the potato recognized once more as the nutritious, tasty, low-cost diet staple it is. Many factors have created this effect: value-added products, carb-friendly diets and new varieties of potato to name a few, plus promotions, such as Potatoes: More than a bit on the side. In particular demand are smaller potatoes, and not just with consumers. While certain small varieties are indeed being snapped up for premium fresh products, processors too need good quality potatoes and for them, size matters less. This means smaller potatoes can be separated with a size grader, washed and sorted, taking them from the waste pile and turning them into a highly profitable second product stream. So, what can fresh packers do to make the most of these opportunities? Why the demand for small salad-sized potatoes is growingIn the UK, they are known traditionally as new potatoes; the first to market every year thanks to the weather on the sunny isle of Jersey where the famous Jersey Royals are grown. In the US, they are known as fingerlings, varietals. Whatever you call them, the appeal of small potatoes is growing. Certain companies, such as the aptly named Little Potato Company, specialize in small varieties. This business adds value with recipes and herb packets, for example. But that’s only part of it. Even ahead of the nutritional value of their potatoes, they feature the lack of prep and short cooking time. These potatoes come pre-washed and consistently sized which, together with their delicate skins that don’t need peeling, turn this nutritious staple into a convenience food, ready to eat in as little as five minutes. This convenience aspect is very important to the consumer, as recent research into the US potato market revealed. 67% of those surveyed said they serve or eat mashed potatoes at least once a month. However, the same survey found that 41% of consumers would be more likely to serve them if they did not have to prepare them from scratch. This lean towards convenience might seem to work against fresh packers, but in fact, the opposite is true. If your sorting lines are capable of sizing and grading your product with optimum accuracy, you can become a supplier to brands for whom convenience is important, based on size alone.