Changes in consumption of fresh potatoes by northeast consumers as they relate to purchase, use, and socio-economic characteristics

Abstract

The increasing popularity of processed potato products over the past twenty years has been accompanied by a steep decline in per capita fresh potato consumption. For those firms involved in the production, marketing, and retailing of fresh potatoes, continuation of these trends could pose great economic difficulties in the future. An understanding of factors that have influenced fresh potato consumption in the past is essential if greater usage is to be encouraged in the future. Changes in past usage with regard to purchasing patterns, problems, and socio-economic characteristics were examined with the purpose of determining the relevant relationships. The predominate factors found determining fresh potato consumption were family composition, age, and per-capita income. Families which increased consumption were generally younger, larger, and had less per capita income than families which decreased consumption.