Retailer Tips
Ordering Stock
Be sure not to order more stock than you need as lengthy storage at retail level will ultimately mean that consumers will not take home a fresh product with optimum shelf life. Old stock will shrivel and sprout and will not appeal to consumers as much as a fresh looking product.
Display Tips
Light: Try and keep potatoes away from direct lighting as this can cause potatoes to green very quickly;
Water spray: To keep potatoes looking fresh and moist, try a light spray of water over the display every now and then.
Refilling: Keep potato displays looking full and attractive.
Variety: Keep your display looking attractive by stocking a selection of all varieties available including reds and whites.
Stock Rotation
To keep your stock of potatoes on display looking as fresh as possible, stock rotation is vital. When refilling your display, do not place new potatoes over old potatoes but rather fill from the back, pushing old stock towards the front thereby encouraging consumers to take from the front of the display. By rotating your stock regularly you will avoid unsightly greening and shriveling of old stock.
Labelling
It is important to label your display correctly. Consumer trust results in repeat business so ensure consumers always take home what they pay for. Incorrectly labelling potatoes can result in consumer dissatisfaction and loss of future sales.
Storage
Potatoes have a long shelf life but only if stored correctly. Potatoes should be stored away from heat and light and the ideal environment in which to store potatoes is in a cool storage facility with temperatures of 3-5 degrees. Do not store potatoes in sunlight or artificial light as this will result in greening. Exposure to hot conditions such as near refrigeration fans or in poorly ventilated rooms will result in shriveling and sprouting of potatoes.
Handling
Potatoes are not robust and are prone to cracking and bruising if handled incorrectly. Potatoes should be handled like fruit and should never be dropped or thrown.
