Potato Grower

44 POTATO GROWER | MAY 2021 AMERICA'S FAVORITE VEGETABLE Potatoes USA By Kim Breshears Vice President of Marketing For the fifth year in a row, potatoes ranked as America's favorite vegetable. Consumers appreciate potatoes' versatility and how filling they are. Unpacking the 2021 Consumer Attitudes and Usage study Americans' love for potatoes has deepened in the last year, according to the 2021 Consumer Attitudes and Usage study. Potatoes USA annually conducts its Consumer Attitudes and Usage study to track U.S. consumers' mindset toward food and dietary choices, and specifically attitudes toward potatoes. The 2021 study indicates the consumers surveyed primarily choose foods based on their flavor, freshness and value. Consumers appreciate potatoes' versatility and how filling they are. For the fifth year in a row, potatoes ranked as America's favorite vegetable. Broccoli was the second-most popular vegetable, followed by tomatoes, corn, salad mix and mushrooms. Mashed potatoes were the preparation style eaten most recently, followed by baked potatoes, fries, hash browns and roasted potatoes. Seventy-four percent of respondents stated they ate potatoes weekly, surpassed only by bread. Even though potatoes are eaten often, the study also asked the respondents why they do not eat potatoes more frequently. The belief that they already eat enough potatoes was cited as the primary reason, followed by beliefs that potatoes are high in carbohydrates, a preference for other vegetables, and a belief that potatoes are fattening. However, when asked what would encourage them to buy potatoes more often, consumers cited smaller bag sizes to minimize waste, more meal ideas and better nutrition information. The Jan. 21 study tracks consumers' beliefs on over 30 characteristics about potatoes. It showed the consumers' opinions about potatoes increased from the prior year on these and other attributes: • Fresh; • Convenient and easy to use; • An energy-packed vegetable; • Good for athletic performance; • Provides sustained energy; • Something I usually have on hand; • A good source of potassium; • Gluten-free; • Contains protein; • Satisfying; • A good value; and • Good for recovery. A few more noteworthy changes in eating pattern data emerged from the prior year's study. For example, 44 percent of Americans surveyed claim they follow a dietary guideline. Leading diet plans on the list include carb- restrictive, low-sugar, and low-sodium. However, carb-restrictive diets saw a four-point drop since last reported in 2020. Also of note, 49 percent report eating the traditional three square meals per day, slightly increasing from the previous year. Please contact Potatoes USA if you have any questions about the 2021 Consumer Attitudes and Usage study. 5 5 - Y E A R W A R R A N T Y L O N G E S T I N T H E I R R I G A T I O N I N D U S T R Y seametrics.com THE LEADER IN IRRIGATION FLOW TECHNOLOGY Battery Powered Saddle Magmeter The Best Value in Irrigation Flow Measurement NEW PRODUCT AG90 • Easily Replaces Propeller Meters • No Moving Parts to Rebuild • Easy to Install • Long Battery Life Here's a TIP AG90 Trade-in Program Until December 31 st , 2021 Trade-in your outdated propeller meter for an additional 10% discount! T H E Until December 31 Until December 31 your outdated propeller meter for your outdated propeller meter for Saddle Magmeter NEW NEW PRODUCT PRODUCT NEW NEW PRODUCT PRODUCT

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