Idaho Potato Commission and Fresh Gourmet Announce Winner of Joint Holiday Promotion
Lucky Ohio Shopper Wins Free Groceries for a Year at Meijer
EAGLE, ID, April 14, 2011 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and Fresh Gourmet® announced the winner of one of their biggest and most successful promotions ever, the “Win Free Groceries for a Year Sweepstakes.” Maija Liepins, of Dublin, Ohio received $10,400 in gift cards to use at the grocery store of her choice. Liepins selected Meijer, a one-stop shopping center with over 195 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
“This is truly a wonderful gift,” stated Liepins. “My husband and I are retired and living on a fixed income -- this will be very helpful. I picked Meijer because they have everything I need at great prices. Thank you!”
Maija Liepins (center) was awarded a giant-sized check that represents free groceries for a year at her favorite store, Meijer. Presenting the check are Ed Cunningham, Supermarket Manager, Meijer (left) and Jim McMath, Regional Sales Manager, Fresh Gourmet Company (right).
Shoppers eager to win were able to enter the sweepstakes online during the three month-long promotion period, October 1 through December 31, 2010. Participating retailers across the country promoted the sweepstakes through eye-catching displays set up in the produce aisle that also provided consumers with coupons offering 55¢ off the purchase of Idaho® potatoes and Fresh Gourmet® Crispy Onions.
“This was hands-down one of the most successful joint promotions we have ever participated in,” said Seth Pemsler, VP Retail/ International, IPC. “This easy-to-enter, national promotion gave shoppers across the country a chance to win free groceries for a year which is extremely appealing in this challenging economic environment. In addition, the high-value coupon gave them the added incentive to purchase two great products."
In-store displays and an online entry form helped generate thousands of entries for the high-value "Win Free Groceries for a Year" Sweepstakes.
Maija Liepins (center) was awarded a giant-sized check that represents free groceries for a year at her favorite store, Meijer. Presenting the check are Ed Cunningham, Supermarket Manager, Meijer (left) and Jim McMath, Regional Sales Manager, Fresh Gourmet Company (right).
“This sweepstakes was a great opportunity to show consumers the versatility of Fresh Gourmet® Crispy Onions,” said Brandon Steele, Vice President, Marketing, The Fresh Gourmet Company. “Home cooks are accustomed to using our toppings on salads however, this unique promotion introduced them to a new pairing: Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions with Idaho potatoes. Additionally, it offered them an opportunity to save money and a chance to win free groceries for a year.”
“We are very pleased that one of our loyal customers won this national sweepstakes,” said Frank Guglielmi, Director, Public Relations, Meijer. “Hats off to the Idaho Potato Commission and Fresh Gourmet® for sponsoring this promotion and allowing Meijer to participate.”
About the Idaho Potato Commission
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
About Fresh Gourmet
Fresh Gourmet is the number one brand of croutons and salad toppings sold in the world. Long known for the innovative approach that inspired the original produce crouton, the Fresh Gourmet brand offers the largest variety of salad toppings available on the market today. For nearly 30 years, Fresh Gourmet has proudly delivered on its original mission—to drive sales in the produce department. For more information, please visit www.freshgourmet.com.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 195 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As the inventor of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com.
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