EAGLE, IDAHO, May 1, 2009 - The most anticipated retail promotion of the year, the 2009 Potato Lover's Month Retail Display Contest, proved to be yet another blockbuster hit for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) with over 2,150 entries, an 11% increase in participation over 2008.
"Retailers have been telling us for years, 18 years to be exact, that this promotion works - it helps sell potatoes and other produce during February, one of the slowest months for retail produce departments," said Seth Pemsler, Vice President, Retail/International, IPC. "And now that consumers are looking for more ways to stretch their dollars, retailers know that an eye-catching display will remind them of the great value delivered by Idaho potatoes. In addition, what retailer doesn't want to increase sales and possibly win a substantial cash prize for themselves and their store?"
This year, for the first time, the IPC partnered with two healthy potato topping favorites, Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blends® and Molly McButter® to help retailers create mouth-watering sales-driving product displays. Overall, the contest generated entries from supermarkets of all sizes and from almost every state in the continental US with each store incorporating customized and new point-of-sale materials to drive sales of Idaho® potatoes, Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blends® and Molly McButter®.
"From the thousands of entries we received, it's obvious the entrants have a great time designing and building their displays," added Pemsler. "It's especially gratifying when the displays include images from our ad campaigns. It ties everything together, giving consumers a more complete picture of all the benefits of Idaho potatoes - healthy, affordable and versatile."
And the Winners Are....
Total prizes awarded to all contest entrants exceeded $150,000 with $22,000 given as cash prizes to the top 115 participants (matching category manager prizes were also awarded):
1st Place Display Winners | |||||
1-5 Cash Registers Michael Schrader Kirkpatricks Foodland South Pittsburg, TN | 6-9 Cash Registers Dean Eide Lammers Food Fest Menomonie, WI | 10+ Cash Registers Fred Sweany Buehlers Wooster, OH | |||
2nd Place Display Winners | |||||
1-5 Cash Registers Dianne Nellis Sureway #88 Henderson, KY | 6-9 Cash Registers Jeff Stewart Piggly Wiggly Bonifay, FL | 10+ Cash Registers Chris D. Gutierrez Raley's Supermarket Sparks, NV | |||
3rd Place Display Winners | |||||
1-5 Cash Registers Tony Ertle Edwards Right Price Market Fort Morgan, CO | 6-9 Cash Registers Ronnie Roddenberry Sweetbay #1865 Spring Hill, FL | 10+ Cash Registers Timmy Mitchell Food City #606 Greenville, TN |
Hungry for more? Check out the Idaho Potato Commission's website www.idahopotato.com to unearth more information about what the IPC is up to. Through the website you may also access the IPC's recipe inventory featuring hundreds of recipes from traditional favorites to innovative creations - each featuring Idaho's famous premium potatoes.
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.
Sue Kennedy
Evans, Hardy & Young
(302) 547-3625
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Susan Hughes
Foodservice Consultant
415-819-6531
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Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.
Contact
661 South Rivershore Lane
Suite 230
EAGLE, ID 83616
Phone: 208-334-2350
Fax: 208-334-2274
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