This reflects a change in consumption patterns that has led to a surge in demand for frozen potato products, particularly french fries. While a substantial amount of demand for frozen potatoes comes from sales to U.S. fast-food companies, the total increase in U.S. frozen potato demand is at least partially driven by exports. More than 10 percent of total frozen fry production goes to export markets. Industry experts believe that export demand is likely to increase in the near future, because consumer income in many of the markets, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore is rising. Multinational fast-food companies are expanding in these countries and promotional activities funded through public and private institutions are increasing, as well.
Japan is the major export market, which accounts for more than half of U.S. shipments.
As a result of this increasing demand, production is expected to rise in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, where yields are much higher than the rest of U.S. Strong Demand Expected to Boost Grape Production Public awareness of health attributes of fresh grapes in the diet, the potential health benefits of some wines, and the opening up of previously closed markets, particularly China, to U.S. grapes and grape products are likely to boost domestic as well as export demand. Recent efforts by the grape industry to promote moderate consumption of red wines among Americans and year-round consumption of fresh grapes are expected to help boost wine and fresh grape demand. As a result, U.S. grape production may rise by about 1 percent per year over the baseline period. Promotional efforts of the apple industry coupled with global economic growth should also increase apple exports to non-traditional export markets. If domestic demand remains weak, the apple industry's dependence on trade is likely to increase.