Frozen potatoes market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the U.S. frozen potato market expanded significantly, with volume growing from 141.9 thousand tons to 174.5 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by the expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and fast-food chains across the country, which increased demand for convenient frozen potato products like fries and snacks. Additionally, rising consumer preference for premium and organic frozen options, along with urbanization and higher disposable incomes, further supported market growth.

The market volume dropped sharply to 83.8 thousand tons in 2020. A strong recovery followed in 2021, lifting volume to 129.4 thousand tons, fueled by continued QSR expansion and growing demand for ready-to-cook frozen snacks. This period also saw a shift toward healthier, organic, and air-fried variants, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

After stabilizing around 129.0 thousand tons in 2022, the market surged again in 2023 to 168.3 thousand tons. This latest increase was supported by product innovation—including new flavors and formats—and greater investment in cold-storage and refrigerated transport infrastructure. The introduction of plant-based and sustainable frozen potato offerings, together with expanded B2B and B2C channels, also contributed to the market's upward trajectory.

Production frozen potatoes in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The United States ranked 5th globally in frozen potato production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United States produced 114.2 thousand tons of frozen potatoes, which represents a 45.5% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 43%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 209.8 thousand tons, marking the largest annual increase of 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of frozen potatoes in the United States was valued at 112.7 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 44.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 45.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -18.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports frozen potatoes from the United States

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the United States exported 32 733 tons of frozen potatoes, showing a strong contraction of 11.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 17.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 11.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea formed the core of US frozen potato exports in volume terms. Japan accounted for 42.2% of exports, Mexico for 36.3%, and South Korea for 6.3%, together representing 84.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the United States exported frozen potatoes worth 32 288 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate fall of 9.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.8%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 18.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea were the principal destinations for US frozen potato exports in value terms. Japan accounted for 49.4% of export value, Mexico for 22.4%, and South Korea for 7.6%, jointly making up 79.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen potatoes to the United States

Imports in kind, t

Frozen potato imports into the United States increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 2 243 tons and showing a sharp rise of 37.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 145.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Colombia, and India were the main sources of frozen potato imports into the United States in volume terms. Canada accounted for 32.4% of imports, Colombia for 21.2%, and India for 12.6%, together representing 66.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Frozen potato imports into the United States increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 3 317 thousand US dollars and marking a dramatic increase of 32.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 86.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Colombia, Canada, and Peru were the central markets for US frozen potato imports in value terms, together accounting for 67.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020