Retailers love their spuds, and from the 2,000 entries received, it's evident that February is, without a question, Potato Lovers Month. This year more than $150,000 in cash and merchandise prizes were awarded to retailers across the country and every qualified entrant received a free MP3 Digital Music player, a $70 value!
Typically one of the slowest months of the year, this unique contest, is becoming increasingly popular among retailers. In just the past three years, an average of over 2,000 stores have participated in this contest annually. For thirteen years prior, the average was barely 600 entries each year.
"The growth and popularity of this contest is unbelievable. The spike in interest is largely due to the fact that the contest is easy to enter, it's fun, everyone wins a prize and it helps boost sales during a slow time of the year," said Seth Pemsler, Vice President, Retail/International, IPC. "However, if this contest continues to grow at its current pace, February may no longer be a slow sales month for Idaho Potatoes."
Potato topping favorites, KRAFT Cheese Whiz, KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese and OSCAR MAYER? Real Bacon Bits were partners and included prominently in the displays.
Prizes were awarded across three general categories: Display Winners (broken down into three categories based on number of cash registers at each store), Military (East coast and West coast) and Ad Overlay Contest.
Congratulations Winners!
DISPLAY CONTEST WINNERS
1-5 CASH REGISTERS
1st Place Jeff Stewart
$1,250 Piggly Wiggly
Bonifay, FL
6-9 CASH REGISTERS
1st Place Donna Shuey
$1,250 Slone's Signature Mkt
Jackson, KY
10+ Cash Registers
1st Place Brett Reed
$1,250 Hy-Vee Food Stores
Windsor Heights, IA
AD OVERLAY CONTEST WINNER
1st Place Jeff Stewart
$1,250 Piggly Wiggly
Bonifay, FL
