The shift from foodservice to retail during COVID had an impact on fresh potato demand. Consumers gravitated toward fresh potatoes due to ease and versatility. The vegetable could also be a source of comfort food. Now, Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern says consumers are circling back to focusing on health. “The new dietary guidelines are an opportunity for all of us to take advantage of those core recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. How do we get potatoes to get understood as a vegetable, healthy and increasing consumption?” As the pandemic continues, Fresh Center of Excellence Principal Jonna Parker says it will be important to communicate about enhancing qualities of the potato along with the continued ease of use.
