b'In terms of how we market, it could really have a long-term impact on the overall volume sales that are being sold in stores if you get into the varietal space in a negative way and not allow our growers that flexibility, Vogel says. Marketing by category or type allows growers to have the flexibility to grow the varieties that work best for them and their own operations. On the consumer side it allows shoppers to be able to select the types of potatoes they need for cooking and not be left searching for a certain variety.There are also production costs to consider when it comes to marketing by variety. To sell potatoes by variety, packaging would have to be unique to each variety, which would increase packaging costs and slow production lines at packaging plants. Already each packer has to keep track if this load is Product of Canada, the next load is Product of P.E.I., the next day its something different. Theres already quite a large packaging inventory that these packers have to keep on hand, so theyre likely not interested in bringing even more of that on, Phillips explains.Derbidge thinks there is opportunity for the North American potato industry to market by variety, but the reason its not being done is due to communication struggles with consumers and retailers. He said HZPC is actively trying to find a way to communicate with the whole food chain through its Potato GloryKayla Vogel, senior global marketing manager for consumer and retail campaign. with Potatoes USASPUDSMART.COMWinter 202411'