Capitalize on America’s Most Beloved Vegetable to Elevate Sales and Shopper Engagement
In 2025, industry experts at Potatoes USA predict that strategic merchandising of this pantry staple can significantly elevate basket sizes and overall category performance.
Potatoes have long been a powerhouse in the produce aisle, ranking as the top volume driver for retailers eager to capture higher spending per trip and build shopper loyalty.
A strong indicator of potatoes’ impact on sales is basket size.
A typical grocery basket with potatoes averages $97.57, compared to $49.08 for those without them.
Moreover, 85% of U.S. households purchase potatoes nearly 11 times a year, making them a dependable contributor to traffic and consistent revenue.
“Potatoes are a win-win for retailers. They’re highly sought-after, versatile across meals, and proven to drive higher spending per shopping trip. Retailers can boost potato sales by sharing easy, inspiring recipes through in-store signage or digital channels. Potatoes offer exceptional nutritional value, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and energy to support a balanced diet.”
Nick Bartelme, Global Retail Marketing Manager, Potatoes USA
With this in mind, stores looking to boost sales are focusing on positioning potatoes in prominent, high-traffic areas and creating displays that complement seasonal or holiday themes.
One of the most effective strategies for maximizing potato revenue involves bundling these versatile vegetables with other meal components.
Retailers who package potatoes alongside proteins, prepackaged sides, or even prepared meal kits cater to time-pressed shoppers who crave both convenience and inspiration.
Digital marketing is also becoming essential for capturing sales: shoppable recipes, influencer partnerships, and e-commerce checkout suggestions can encourage customers to add more potatoes to their virtual carts.
Another approach includes featuring premium and specialty varieties such as fingerlings or purple potatoes, appealing to consumers who seek unique cooking experiences or upscale ingredients.
Beyond boosting basket size, potatoes thrive in nearly every meal or cuisine style, supporting their status as a perennial favorite in American kitchens.
They fit effortlessly into everything from savory breakfast dishes and hearty stews to the simplest side for a weeknight dinner.
In fact, 82% of consumers prepare potatoes as side dishes, 52% integrate them into recipes, and 46% use them in soups and stews.
Some grocers take cross-merchandising a step further by placing potatoes in secondary locations, such as the meat aisle, alongside spices or complementary vegetables an arrangement that spurs shoppers to pick up multiple items for a complete meal.
Potatoes also draw health-conscious consumers, thanks to an impressive nutritional profile.
A medium 5.3 oz. skin-on potato contains 30% of the recommended daily vitamin C, 620 milligrams of potassium (more than a medium-sized banana), nutrient-dense carbohydrates, two grams of fiber, and averages only 110 calories.
According to Potatoes USA’s research, 80% of shoppers are already aware of the nutritional benefits, and 78% consider potatoes a healthy choice.
Retailers can emphasize these benefits by using clear signage near potato displays, highlighting how they contribute to wellness and informing consumers of their high potassium content and vitamin C value.
To keep pace with consumer demand for both healthful and convenient foods, many retailers are integrating more robust marketing strategies, from recipe cards at the point of sale to social media campaigns that encourage shoppers to experiment with different potato varieties.
Emphasizing easy preparation methods such as tossing a frozen bag of fries in an air fryer can capture the attention of busy families seeking quick solutions.
In all of these tactics, the underlying message is that potatoes anchor a wide range of meals and remain a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option for households nationwide.
