M A R C H 2 0 1 9 POTATO GROWER 7 biggest decline with a -9.5% in potato sales when located adjacent to this commodity. Placing potatoes in a stand-alone shelving unit will create the biggest growth by adding a 5.4% lift. Assortment contains three improve- ments that are easily achievable. Shelf organization can drive a 1.4% sales growth if done correctly. Placing the potatoes on the shelf by bulk and packaged helps grow this category. If optimizing the shelf vertically, smaller packaged potatoes should be at the top while larger bags and bulk should be at the bottom. Vertically blocking the shelf can lead to a 3.8% sales growth. Flow can lead to a growth rate of 5.7% on average. Optimize flow by merchandising potatoes on the shelf in this order with the designated amount for each; white (12%), yellow (21%), russet (44%), purple (11%), and red (12%). Secondary locations can help increase potato sales on average by implement- ing two specific steps. Setting these types of displays on an endcap can increase potato sales by 2.2%. Since these locations are highly visible, it is no surprise that these are great spots to feature spuds. If potato secondaries are set up, locating them next to onions will increase sales by 4.1%. Like main potato sections, secondaries located next to sweet potatoes bring down potato sales by -3.7%. Grocery retail has become exceeding- ly competitive over the last two years. As retailers strive to advance, they are looking more closely at the products they carry and the companies that provide them. According to Progressive Grocers Annual Report for 2017, produce and meat were tied as the two most influential areas of the store for driving future growth. On average, 21% of consumers say that the produce department defines their retail experience. It is the produce department that differentiates them from their competitors. In fact, pro- duce is the most successful depart- ment in generating sales according to the same report. 65.7% of people pur- chase an item when they visit this department. As we move forward in this competitive environment, it is important we continue to help retail- ers improve sales of the fresh potato category. Reach out to Kayla Dome at [email protected] to receive the six-page handout brochure that high- lights these potato merchandising rec- ommendations or for a copy of the full study.