A Fundamental Transformation? - Changes with the current recession

摘要

HISTORICALLY, FRESH POTATOES have been countercyclical to recessionary economic periods, as consumers returned to foods that delivered value and comfort for their money. This current recession is different. Fresh potatoes have not seen their traditional up-tick, but rather have experienced the same volume declines and price increases that virtually all other food items have. Why is it different this time? United States Potato Board research documents that consumer beliefs and behaviors have changed in ways that have altered fresh potato consumption. Those same consumer changes may signal more happening than a different recession performance; they maybe the drivers of a fundamental transformation in the fresh potato industry.