Idaho® Potatoes Around The World #1

Mexico Club Store Launches Frozen Idaho® Fries

Retailer Soriana's 34-store City Club chain in Mexico is now distributing branded frozen french fry products imported from an Idaho® potato processor.

The first shipments of straight-cut, shoestring and crinkle-cut Idaho® fries were delivered to City Club in mid-November, the culmination of discussions that began at the 2016 Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria Mexico in March in Guadalajara. The Idaho Potato Commission assisted in sharing information about licensing and promotions, and verified the final french fry product design legality.

Spud Trucks Hit the Streets In International Markets

Idaho® potato branded trucks are driving awareness of the premium tuber in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and El Salvador.

Delivery trucks in these markets sport Idaho® potato-themed wraps during their regular runs, gaining added visibility for the brand and its availability in local stores and restaurants.

Major China Online Store Adds Dehydrated Product

JD.com, the second-largest e-commerce retailer in China and partner of Walmart online stores in that country, added a dehydrated Idaho® potato product after discussions initiated by the Idaho Potato Commission during the Governor of Idaho's trade mission to China this fall.

"By introducing key prospects and customers to the governor, who was gracious enough to take pictures with everyone who asked, we began the process of a relationship that leads to business success in China," says Seth Pemsler, vice president, Retail/International, IPC.

Export Tip: Potato Export Workshop

Learn how to capitalize on the growing international markets for Idaho® potatoes at the Potato Export Workshop on Jan. 19, 2017, hosted by the Idaho Potato Commission, Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Idaho State University Research Center. The event, which will take place during the Idaho Potato Conference & Ag Expo in Pocatello, will start with a lunch buffet at 12:30 p.m. followed by a workshop from 1:15 to 4:00 p.m.

Topics will include:

• Global market assessment
• Managing financial concerns
• Mitigating risk, transportation and shipping
• Utilization of export brokers and distributors
• Requirements for shipping (phytosanitary certificate and/or import permits and more)

Please contact Traci Lofthus with any questions or comments.
Traci.Lofthus@potato.idaho.gov (208) 514-4228