Latest News from the IPC

Best in Class: Idaho Potato Commission named top produce ‘Category Advisor’ in Progressive Grocer competition 

Industry-leading Category Management Initiatives Help Retailers Propel Sales

EAGLE, ID, November 10, 2015 – From glossy B2B magazines to comprehensive custom category reviews, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) puts a premium on providing top-notch merchandising tools for retailers. In recognition of that dedication to category management excellence and continued achievement, Progressive Grocer has honored IPC as a 2015 Category Advisor for produce in the magazine’s annual competition.

New Charitable Mission "A Big Helping" Provided Financial Assistance to Local Charities Across the Country

EAGLE, Idaho, November 4, 2015 – After four years on the road, the jaw-dropping, head-turning Big Idaho® Potato Truck continues to generate excitement everywhere it goes. In 2015 the Big Idaho® Potato Truck visited 49 cities, clocked more than 22,087 miles, and raised thousands of dollars for local charities across the country. The Big Idaho® Potato Truck had a new mission in 2015 to deliver “A Big Helping” to charities across the U.S. by providing them with a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness for their cause.   

EAGLE, Idaho – What happens when a potato sells itself so well that the poor produce supervisor is left overwhelmed by his or her good fortune?

That’s the cheeky scenario behind the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 2014-2015 “Too Successful” integrated retail trade marketing campaign, winner of the IPC’s eighth consecutive Produce Business Marketing Excellence Award. Each colorful ad depicts a produce director, category manager or vice president agonizing over the unexpected “pitfalls” of stocking incredibly popular Idaho® potatoes, from stressful decisions about how to spend all that bonus money to a suddenly overcrowded trophy case.

"Buy, Get, Give" Coupon Program with Country Crock® Provides Free Potatoes to Food Banks Nationwide

EAGLE, Idaho, October 8, 2015 – Retailers can help give back to the community during the holiday season thanks to a new retail coupon promotion from the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) in partnership with Country Crock® buttery spread. Unilever and the IPC are teaming up for the “Buy, Get, Give” program, which will run from November 1 through December 31, 2015, is designed to both drive sales and promote hunger relief.

Dan Nakamura and Lynn Wilcox Reappointed for Second Three-year Term

EAGLE, Idaho, September 29, 2015 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced the recent appointment of James Hoff as a new Commissioner who will a serve three-year term.  James Hoff of Hoff Farms in Idaho Falls will be formally sworn in at the IPC’s October meeting.  Dan Nakamura and Lynn Wilcox, who have already served one term, will be sworn in for second three-year terms. The Commissioners were nominated by industry peers and selected by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.

EAGLE, Idaho, August 24, 2015 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) recently updated its website to make it easier than ever for consumers to spend quality time online with Idaho® potatoes. Two of the most exciting changes include an improved experience on mobile devices and a new contemporary design.

Eagle ID (August 2015) — In a new Ranker poll, the potato tops the competition as the peoples’ #1 favorite vegetable.¹ As such, potatoes hold an important position on foodservice menus as a foundation for profitable snacks, appetizers, side dishes, and entrées. Extensively menued in every segment (81.8% penetration²), all potato styles are sold into foodservice where processed potatoes account for 78% of the volume. Of the processed portion, frozen potatoes represent 61% (by far the largest use of potatoes in the U.S.), chips 9%, dehydrated 5% and refrigerated 3%.³        

EAGLE, Idaho, July 09, 2015 – Latin food is hotter than ever and the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is pouncing on this flavor trend with ten new potato salad recipes to complement your summertime suppers.  Ten popular food bloggers transformed the traditional potato salad into unforgettable side dishes by adding fiery spices and other popular ingredients found in Latin foods to create “ensalada de papas extraordinaria.”

With their reputation for quality, consistency and versatility, Idaho® potatoes have been known for traveling on menus to countries far beyond their state of origin. For creative chefs, the Idaho® potato’s sturdy texture and universal popularity are a perfect foil for salads tossed with the many exotic ingredients and seasonings the globe has to offer.

Grocery retailers nationwide set out their sharpest spud displays for the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 2015 retail competition, which was extended from four weeks to eight weeks for the first time so that ample shipments of Idaho® potatoes would be available.