MountainKing debuts ‘baby’ versions of yellow, red varieties

MountainKing Potatoes has introduced new “baby” versions of its yellow and red varieties packed fresh to order in 1.5 lb. bags, which the company said is designed to appeal to younger shoppers. MountainKing’s new Baby Yellows and Baby Reds currently are being harvested for an October launch. A combination of the Yellows and Reds, packaged as Baby Medleys, also will be available.

“Since the baby potatoes don’t require peeling, they’re easy to prepare and have a colorful plate presentation – all big factors with millennial shoppers looking for convenient and fast meal preparation,” said John Pope, MountainKing vice president of sales and marketing.

Packaged in 12/1.5 lb. masters or 20 lb. and 50 lb. boxes, each bag contains 6-8 servings best prepared roasted, steamed or boiled. MountainKing’s new baby potatoes are fresh packed in mesh, see-through bags which allow shoppers to see the product. The mesh bags also are known to extend product shelf life, Pope said.

MountainKing’s roll out of its new baby potatoes comes as reports show shoppers continue to gravitate to smaller potato and package sizes. According to the market research firm IRI, estimated small package unit growth during the past 52 weeks is up eight percent while dollar volume is up seven percent. Pope says small potato packages also earn the highest ring in the category at $3.49 per bag.