In Washington and Oregon, consumer packs account for about half of the fresh-market potatoes shipped by suppliers, according to grower-shippers. Double-N Potatoes, based in Burlington, WA, notes that their 5-pound yellow and red consumer packs are the most popular packaging option. CFO Ryan Shols mentioned that the demand for packaged potatoes surged during the pandemic due to hygiene concerns and has remained steady since.

Regional Packaging Preferences

Sean Davenport, marketing manager for Pasco, WA-based Potandon Produce, highlights regional variations in packaging styles. While Potandon sells a significant number of 50-pound cartons to various buyers, 60% of their shipments are in consumer packs, with popular sizes ranging from 1-pound bags of mini potatoes to 15- or 20-pound poly bags, with 5- and 10-pound bags being the most favored.

Cost and Efficiency Considerations

Packing potatoes in consumer bags is more expensive than using cardboard cartons due to different machinery and additional labor requirements, Davenport explained. Coleman Oswald, director of sales at Eagle Eye Produce, stated that consumer bags now represent 40% to 50% of their packaging, down from 90% during the pandemic when retail demand surged due to the closure of indoor dining and public venues.

Despite higher packaging costs for poly bags, efficiencies in bulk packing can offset these expenses. However, packing smaller consumer bags often requires overpacking to meet weight requirements, which can lead to giving away more potatoes than intended.

Sustainability in Packaging

While sustainability is a growing concern, potato grower-shippers report limited inquiries from customers about sustainable packaging. Nevertheless, companies like Potandon Produce review their packaging annually with sustainability in mind. "To keep working for 60 or 70 years, you have to be sustainable," Shols emphasized, reflecting the long-term commitment to sustainable practices in the industry.