Latest News from the IPC

The Dr. Potato Blog, the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) popular resource for frequently asked questions about the state’s top crop, now has its own address. For answers to puzzling ingredient, technique and menu queries about Idaho® potatoes, the Doctor is in at dr.idahopotato.com. Even better, operators will find useful tips for maximizing the appeal and profitability of their Idaho® potato offerings.

The Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) five-month-long Smashed Spuddy Buddy program is quickly coming to a close with all submissions due by June 30. The IPC launched Smashed Spuddy with the help of Idaho’s First Lady, Lori Otter, as an educational and interactive program designed to help teach kids about the nutritional benefits of Idaho® potatoes.

Social media is hotter than ever and the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is incorporating these unique direct-to-consumer communication vehicles into most all of its marketing campaigns. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to Pinterest, to developing strong relationships with bloggers, the IPC has been able to significantly increase the Famous Idaho® Potato brand’s presence on the Internet while reinforcing its image as a quality, premium product.

In recognition of National Celiac Awareness Month in May, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has partnered with blogger Amie Valpone of “The Healthy Apple” to create 5 new gluten-free recipes that feature America’s favorite vegetable.

Consumers weren’t the only ones professing their love for Idaho® spuds during the annual Potato Lover’s Month retail celebration in February. Supermarket chains and independent retailers alike submitted 4,049 entries in the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 2013 retail display contest – the highest total ever in the competition’s 22 years and more than double the average number of entries over the past eight years.

The votes are in for the Heart Smart Idaho® Potato Recipe Contest, launched by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) with Denise Austin and the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. Congratulations to Berti Bonney, who won the $2,500 grand prize for her delicious recipe, Idaho® Potato Crab Cakes. Watch the video with fitness expert Denise Austin announcing the results and get the recipe here: http://www.mrfood.com/Shellfish/Idaho-Potato-Crab-Cakes.

Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents.

As customer snacking occasions climb, the popularity of fried items remains steady, while consumers’ interest in diet and well-being grows. Recognizing that French Fries, potato “tots” and other favorite potato sides and snacks lie at the center of this perfect storm, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) joined Bunge, Frymaster and Lamb Weston to launch www.fitfrying.com, a partnership initiative that offers resources foodservice operators need most to fry more healthfully.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced today that it is the Presenting Sponsor of RODS Racing 2013. RODS Racing is comprised of 40 superior athletes who will collectively compete in more than 224 marathons, triathlons and other events this year, raising money to find homes in the United States for orphaned children with Down syndrome who live in other parts of the world. The IPC has donated $50,000, which will cover the adoption costs of two orphans.

True to the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) “Passionate About Potatoes” foodservice advertising campaign, chefs across the country are dishing up Idaho® Potatoes in extraordinary and delectable ways. To give operators insight into the creative thinking of six leading chefs, the IPC has collected their signature recipes in the 2013 “Passionate About Potatoes” card set.