EAGLE, IDAHO, May 3, 2010 – Retailers pulled out all the stops this year to secure their share of the $150,000 in cash and prizes awarded in the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 19th Annual Potato Lover’s Month Retail Display Contest. Floor-to-ceiling, head-turning displays and increased retailer participation demonstrated that the most anticipated retail promotion of the year is more popular than ever.
“With potatoes being one of the only categories in the produce department experiencing double-digit volume growth, it’s no surprise we received close to 10% more entries than we did in 2009. Displays attract customers and by increasing potato sales, retailers are able to off-set some of the margins lost on items that are not performing as well,” said Seth Pemsler, Vice President, Retail/International, IPC. “This contest has become a tradition for many retailers. It’s an easy and fun way for them to increase sales and possibly win a substantial cash prize for themselves and their store.”
To add some spice to the displays, the IPC again partnered with Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blends® and Molly McButter®, two potato topping favorites. In addition to showcasing these two brands, all displays had to include fresh Idaho® potatoes (bag, bulk or both) that have a clearly discernable label showing the Idaho name and the “Grown in Idaho®” seal and a clearly marked dehydrated Idaho® potato product.
“Obviously one of the goals of the contest is to boost sales during a month when produce sales throughout the department are slow. However, we also want to encourage consumers to look for the ‘Grown in Idaho®’ seal every time they make a potato purchase, whether it be fresh, frozen or dehydrated. It’s the only way they can be assured they are buying a premium, quality potato grown in the state of Idaho,” said Pemsler.
The Winners…
More than $150,000 in cash and prizes was awarded with a total of $34,000 awarded as cash prizes to the top 115 participants, including matching prizes to category managers.
| 1st Place Display Winners | ||
| 1-5 Cash Registers Gleo Runyon Pick n Save Ironton, OH | 6-9 Cash Registers Robert Kruse Sweetbay Supermarket Tampa, FL | 10+ Cash Registers Fred Sweany Buehler's Fresh Foods Wooster, OH |
| 2nd Place Display Winners | ||
| 1-5 Cash Registers Cheryl Beatty Community Market Chillicothe, OH | 6-9 Cash Registers David Dozier G.F.F. Foods Moore, OK | 10+ Cash Registers Sharon Brennan Viking Village Foods Reedsburg, WI |
| 3rd Place Display Winners | ||
| 1-5 Cash Registers Ann Kelch Schurtz Community Market Marysville, OH | 6-9 Cash Registers Jeff Stewart Piggly Wiggly Bonifay, FL | 10+ Cash Registers Jeff Lucas Neptune City Foodtown #339 Neptune City, NJ |
Entries were judged and prizes were awarded by the Potato Lover's Month Display Contest Review Committee based on the following criteria:
About the IPC
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.