Posts Tagged “Idaho Potato Commission”

Idaho Potatoes Partner with American Diabetes Association

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The Idaho Potato Commission of Eagle, ID and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have announced a multi-year partnership making fresh Idaho potatoes the first vegetable to participate in the ADA’s esteemed, Better Choices for Life program.

The purpose of the partnership is to help educate tens of millions of Americans on ways they can add Idaho potatoes to their meal plan.

Diabetes is one of the country’s greatest health crises. Every 23 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes and 133 million Americans are living with diabetes or prediabetes. With a mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, the number one question the ADA receives is, what can I eat? Many wrongly believe they cannot eat potatoes.

“We want those living with diabetes and prediabetes to feel confident eating potatoes with their breakfast, lunch or dinner as long as serving size and preparation recommendations are followed,” explained Jamey Higham, President & CEO, IPC. “This partnership aims to enhance people’s understanding of nutrition, especially carbohydrates; help build healthy eating habits and debunk some myths about potatoes and diabetes.”

The Better Choices for Life program uses the ADA’s evidence-based guidelines and perspective to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase. Participating products prominently display the Better Choices for Life mark on their packaging. In the coming months, consumers will begin to see this well-respected mark on select 5-lb and 10-lb bags of fresh Idaho potatoes.

“The American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. One way we do this is to educate on ways to improve nutrition status and overall health using the Diabetes Plate Method,” said Dr. Laura Hieronymus, VP of Health Care Programs for the ADA.

“We are proud to announce that the Idaho Potato Commission meets the American Diabetes Association’s Better Choices for Life nutrition guidelines. Idaho potatoes are a healthy vegetable on the Diabetes Plate, and we look forward to working together to bring awareness of healthful choices and food preparation in our fight to better manage and prevent diabetes.”

The Diabetes Plate Method was introduced by the ADA to help those living with diabetes and prediabetes to prepare healthy meals that can help manage blood glucose (blood sugar). This approach allows individuals to put together a plate that includes a healthy balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, which can include potatoes.

The Diabetes Plate Method
Step 1: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables.
Non-starchy vegetables are lower in carbohydrates so they do not raise blood glucose very much. They are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Step 2: Fill one-quarter of your place with lean protein.
Foods high in protein like fish, chicken, lean beef, soy products, and cheese are all considered protein foods.

Step 3: Fill the last one-quarter of your plate with carbohydrate foods.
Foods that are higher in carbohydrate include grains, starchy vegetables, beans and legumes, fruit, yogurt, and milk.

Step 4: To complete your meal, add water or another zero-calorie beverage.

Step 5: Choose healthy fats in small amounts.

One 5.3-ounce potato has only 110 calories and contains no fat, cholesterol, sodium or gluten. Plus, it is loaded with important vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. The key to enjoying potatoes is knowing how to prepare them healthfully:

• Be mindful of serving size.
• Combine with heart-healthy olive or avocado oils.
• Prepare with the skins on for added fiber.
• Bake or boil instead of frying.

For diabetes-friendly recipes, click here.

About The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiates them from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit idahopotato.com.

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Study Shows Idaho Potatoes are America’s Favorite Veggie

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February is the Idaho Potato Commission’s favorite month because it’s American Heart Month and Potato Lovers Month, making it a great time to celebrate Idaho potatoes.

In a national survey conducted by Kelton Global, consumers were asked to pick their favorite vegetable, and Idaho potatoes topped the chart. More than a quarter of Americans (26 percent) — or nearly 68 million — say Idaho potatoes are their favored choice over broccoli (19 percent), corn (14 percent) or leafy greens (14 percent).

“Every few years we survey folks on their vegetable preferences, and I’m pleased to report that Idaho potatoes continue to rank number one,” said Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of IPC. “What’s not to love about the superfood? They’re nutritious and can be enjoyed hundreds of different ways.”

If you’re wondering how folks prefer to eat their spuds, mashed was the hands down winner (27 percent) followed by French fries (23 percent) and baked (22 percent).

More millennials than older generations (29 percent vs. 24 percent) claim mashed potatoes are their most chosen way to eat spuds.

Close to two in five (37 percent) Northeasterners say mashed is their favorite way to consume potatoes compared to far fewer (24 percent) Americans in other regions.

However, many folks are still in the dark when it comes to the potato’s impressive nutritional profile. Less than three in 10 Americans (28 percent) are aware that spuds are chock-full of potassium, a nutrient that plays an important role in heart health. More women than men (30 percent vs. 25 percent) are in the know that potatoes contain potassium.

The survey was conducted by Kelton Global Research Co. for the Idaho Potato Commission with a sample of 1,005 Americans aged 18 and over between Jan. 7 and Jan. 11.


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Idaho Potato Bowl is Scheduled for December 21st

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A31EAGLE, Idaho – The top teams from the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences will go head to head on Friday, December 21st at the 22nd Annual Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl (FIPB).

Kickoff is 2:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. EST on the blue turf at Boise State University’s Albertsons Stadium; it will air live on ESPN.  At the 2017 FIPB the Wyoming Cowboys (Mountain West Conference), defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas (Mid-American Conference), 37-14.  More than two million fans nationwide watched it live on ESPN, along with NFL recruiters who kept a sharp eye on the game.

Wyoming’s quarterback Josh Allen was the Buffalo Bill’s first round pick, and seventh overall draft pick. Additionally, four other FIPB alum were recruited by the NFL this spring. The FIPB has a history of producing top athletes including:

  • Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (Boston College)
  • Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans (Western Michigan University)
  • Mark Nzeocha, San Francisco 49ers (University of Wyoming)
  • Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks (Central Michigan)

2018 marks the eighth year the IPC has been the naming sponsor of the premier cold-weather college football bowl game. “Pairing America’s favorite potato with one of America’s favorite sports has proven to be very effective,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “The brand awareness this bowl game generates among our target audience across the country is enormous. And, that’s extremely important because it helps increase demand for Idaho® potatoes, the state’s most important agricultural crop. The potato industry generates more than $4.5 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 30,000 people.” The Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl is one of 35 bowl games ESPN will televise over 17 days. The Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. Tickets go on sale to the general public in September through www.ticketmaster.com or the Bronco Stadium ticket office at (208) 426-4737. For premium ticket packages and sponsorship information contact the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl office at (208) 424-1011.

About The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the IPC is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates them from potatoes grown in other states.

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Idaho Potato Commission’s New TV Commercial is Scoring Big Points

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DSCN0185By the Idaho Potato Commission

EAGLE, ID —  The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) launched its new television commercial during the Boise State University (BSU) vs University of Virginia (UVA) football game that aired live from Albertson’s Stadium in Boise, Idaho in late September.  As a long-standing Bronco sponsor, this marquee game presented an ideal opportunity to unveil the seventh installment of the IPC’s  commercial featuring the Big Idaho Potato Truck, Farmer Mark and his ever-faithful hound.

“Every year the popularity of the Big Idaho Potato Truck grows exponentially due in large part to the national television commercial that airs when the Truck isn’t on the road.  As a result, consumers are exposed to the Truck for an entire year, as opposed to 6-months, the actual length of the tour, explained Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC.   “Launching the commercial during the IPC’s nationally-televised marquee game at Albertson’s Stadium has become a tradition.  Not only are we further supporting Idaho football but the strength of the brand is reinforced through the prominently placed Idaho’s potato signage throughout the stadium, and the reporters are always excited to talk about spuds.”

During the game ESPN reporters made it clear to their viewers they were in Tater Nation.  From footage of the Big Idaho Potato Truck and non-stop shots of Spuddy Buddy, to a close-up of sideline reporter, Molly McGrath’s loaded baked potato, Idaho’s potatoes were treated like MVPs from the kick-off to the very last play of the game.
The commercial airs through early April on popular networks like CNN, The Food Network, Headline News, Fox News and The History Channel, achieving more than 550 million audience impressions. To view it now, visit the IPC’s YouTube channel.

For more information about Idaho’s famous spud visit:  idahopotato.com

About the Idaho Potato Commission

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 growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, that differentiates Idaho potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

Boise State Football

The Boise State Bronco lost the game to Virginia University, 42 to 23.  However, the Broncos have an 8-2 won, lost record.

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Study Points Out Popularity of Idaho Bagged Potatoes

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IdahoSpudConsumers are less likely to not buy Idaho-branded bagged russet potatoes due to price changes than potatoes from other states, according to a new study.

The Idaho Potato Commission commissioned the study conducted by economist Timothy Richards of Arizona State University, which used retail scan data for the two-year period.

The numbers indicate that Idaho potatoes have a higher consumer preference and can command a more premium retail price or markup.

“The research showed that for russets, Idaho russets are less price elastic than non-Idaho russets,” said Seth Pemsler, vice president of retail and international programs for the commission. “When price goes up on Idaho (russets), the resulting lost volume is significantly less than non-Idaho russets.”

Photo courtesy of Idaho Potato Commission

Pemsler said the findings suggest that if retailers don’t discount Idaho russets to the same degree as non-Idaho russets, there wouldn’t be a significant effect on volume sold.

The study showed that overall price elasticity of bagged Idaho russets was 1.26 compared with 1.91 for bagged russets from other areas.

The study breaks down data from the entire U.S. and eight separate regions over the two-year period, according to an executive summary of the research.

In addition, Idaho potatoes are the least vulnerable to competitive pricing.

Based on scan data of 5- and 10-pound bags, Idaho russet potatoes have the highest profit margin potential compared with potatoes from other origins.

“The fact is that even if you pay 10 cents a bag more for Idaho russets, you can charge 20 cents per bag more at retail,” Pemsler said

Bulk potatoes were not evaluated because of inconsistencies found in the data due to the nature of price-look-up stickers and misidentification of variety and brand/origin at checkout registers.

Bagged potatoes represented 70 percent of all potato volume tracked during the two-year study.

Pemsler estimated about 60 percent of retailers in the U.S. carry both Idaho and non-Idaho bagged russets.  The data has not yet been published but more details are available from the Idaho Potato Commission at Seth.Pemsler@potato.idaho.gov.

 

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Winners Announced For Idaho Potato Holiday Recipes Contest

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IdahoPotBy Idaho Potato Commission

EAGLE, ID — Following an online “Fully-Loaded Idaho® Potato Cook-off” recipes event, Kenmore® awarded Crystal Schlueter’s unique and easy-to-make Mashed-Up Kimchi Reuben Tater Bombs with Sweet Onion & Gochujang Aioli the grand prize. The poppable hors d’oeuvres balance sweet onion, salty reuben, savory mashed potato filling, and spicy gochujang dipping sauce to create an unforgettable flavor experience.

In November, participants entered their favorite holiday-themed recipes to showcase their love for Idaho® potatoes. Kenmore® selected four winners, including a “Social Spud,” the most liked recipe on social media channels.

Grand Prize
Mashed-Up Kimchi Reuben Tater Bombs with Sweet Onion & Gochujang Aioli
Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Prize: $1,500 cash + full suite of Kenmore® small kitchen appliances

2nd Place
Cream of Potato Jalapeño Soup
Tamie Joeckel, Richardson, TX
Prize: Kenmore® small kitchen appliance + 15 lb box of Idaho® potatoes

3rd Place
Beggar’s Pouch Mashers with Spinach and Parmesan
Sharon Damante, Napa, CA
Prize: Kenmore® small kitchen appliance + 15 lb box of Idaho® potatoes

Social Spud
Grandma’s Shepherd’s Pie
Anna Feliciano, Mahopac, NY
Prize: $500 + 15 lb box of Idaho® potatoes

Idaho Potato Commission President and CEO, Frank Muir, acknowledged the strength of IPC’s partnership with Kenmore® and Momma Cuisine–a well-respected cooking personality with an impressive following on Twitter–for this online event. “Idaho® potato lovers are some of the most dedicated fans out there and we knew that by partnering with Kenmore®, one of the country’s most trusted brands, and Momma Cuisine, we would get some fantastic entries,” Muir explained. “I’m impressed with the quality and creativity of the entries. Thank you to all the participants and congratulations to our winners.”

About The Idaho Potato Commission 

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho™” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

For contest requirements and judging criteria see our news post from Nov. 17, 2016.

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Want to Attend the Idaho Potato Bowl Free?

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idahopotatodisplay

On Dec. 22, the Idaho Potato Commission will once again sponsor the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will celebrate its 20th anniversary.  If you are a driver having a layover in Boise, you ought to check with a local Idaho potato shipper because there’s a good chance you can get a free ticket to the game.

Hosted in Albertsons Stadium at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, the game is unique as it’s the longest-running cold-weather bowl game played on the arena’s famed blue turf.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has a history of using creative marketing techniques to draw attention to its state’s potatoes and this fall and winter are no exception.

Frank Muir, president and CEO for the Idaho Potato Commission, Eagle, said in November, the group’s famed Big Idaho Potato Truck turned heads as it traveled as part of an entourage transporting the 60-foot Capitol Christmas Tree from Payette National Forest in Idaho to Washington, D.C. The Big Idaho Potato Truck delivered hundreds of ornaments made by Idaho schoolchildren and participated in local events that took place along the cross-country journey.

The Big Idaho Potato Truck was built five years ago to celebrate the commission’s 75th anniversary and has now traveled more than 100,000 miles promoting the heart-healthy benefits of Idaho potatoes. The campaign has also donated to local charities through its “A Big Helping” program.

Regionally, retail promotions are planned at Albertsons and Safeways with displays featuring information about the football game. Further promoting Idaho potatoes is the fourth annual Idaho Potato Drop for New Year’s Eve. Held in downtown Boise, thousands of people gather in front of the state capital to see the giant potato drop (like Times Square’s ball).

Finally, in January and February, the commission will again promote Potato Lover’s Month and its 26th annual retail display contest.

Idaho potatoes – grossing about $4200 to Atlanta.

 

 

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Holiday Ready Potato Recipe Contest Deadline is 11/30

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dscn7660by Idaho Potato Commission

EAGLE, ID  — Attention food fanatics and chefs extraordinaire! During the month of November enter your favorite Idaho® potato recipe for a chance to win a $1,500 cash prize, a myriad of kitchen appliances from Kenmore® and a 15 lb. bag of fresh Idaho® potatoes. In addition to the prizes awarded for first, second and third place, a $500 “Social Spud” prize will be given to the recipe receiving the most “likes” on the contest page, encouraging contestants to share their recipe entry on their social media channels.

“This contest is a smart way for three well-known reputable brands to get folks across the country excited about baking and cooking with Idaho® potatoes during the holiday season,” explained Frank Muir, President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). “We believe this could be the biggest recipe contest in the IPC’s history in terms of number of entries received and total reach to consumers and the media. And that means more great recipes for us to try and share with family and friends!”

To be eligible, all entries must be received by 11:59 PM MST, November 30, 2016 and include the following:

  • Use fresh, frozen or dehydrated Idaho® potatoes
  • Include complete recipe ingredient list and directions
  • Submit a high quality recipe photo
  • Provide a brief recipe description

Prizes include:

  • First Place: $1,500 cash and a full suite of Kenmore® small kitchen appliances
  • Second Place: Kenmore® small kitchen appliance and a 15 lb. bag of Idaho® potatoes
  • Third Place: Kenmore® small kitchen appliance and a 15 lb. bag of Idaho® potatoes
  • Social Spud: $500 cash for the recipe with the most votes

Recipes will be reviewed and tested by representatives from the IPC and judged on their combination of creativity, taste, ease of preparation, and, of course, use of Idaho® potatoes. Winners will be notified by December 10, 2016. The winning recipe will be featured on the IPC’s website and social media channels.

About The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho™” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

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Big Idaho Potato Truck Sets Sail In NYC Harbor

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IdahoPotTkBy The Idaho Potato Commission

EAGLE, IDAHO — The world’s largest potato on wheels traded its tires for buoys in celebration of the 2016 Idaho® Potato Harvest. On Wednesday, August 24, the giant spud embarked on her maiden voyage through the New York Harbor – beginning in Brooklyn and passing all the major landmarks in South Manhattan including the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower.

Over the next several weeks 320,000 acres in Idaho will be harvested and yield more than 13 billion pounds of Idaho® potatoes. New York is the largest consumer of Idaho® potatoes, and two iconic New York-based restaurants, Macy’s and Toffenetti’s, were instrumental in establishing Idaho® baked potatoes as a premium menu item back in the 1930’s.

New Yorkers consume more potatoes than any other state. To show its appreciation, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) donated 12,000 pounds of Idaho® potatoes (equivalent to the weight of the Big Idaho® Potato on the Truck) to Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, New York’s largest emergency food program. They’ve consistently served 1,000 homeless and hungry people every weekday for the past 30 years.

“New Yorkers have played a major role in building the Idaho® potato brand and making the baked Idaho® potato one of the most sought after side dishes on the menu,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO of the IPC. “It was a privilege for us to spend time at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and provide and serve healthy Idaho® potatoes to those who are less fortunate.”

The Big Idaho® Potato Truck was built five years ago to celebrate the IPC’s 75th anniversary. The organization wanted to celebrate the milestone in a big way, and more importantly, include the entire country in the celebration. The idea for the Truck was born from a vintage postcard depicting a giant potato on a flatbed trailer with the quote, “We Grow ‘Em Big in Idaho.” To date, the Truck has traveled over 100,000 miles promoting the heart-healthy benefits of the Idaho® potato and donating to local charities through its “A Big Helping” program.

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About The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the IPC is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates them from potatoes grown in other states.

The Big Idaho® Potato Truck travels across the country carrying the world’s largest potato on wheels — a 28 foot long, 12 foot wide, 11.5 foot tall, 6 ton spud. It was built to celebrate the Idaho Potato Commission’s 75th anniversary in 2012 and was intended to be on the road for one year. But it was such a hit the journey continued and today it’s more popular than ever. For more information visit www.bigidahopotato.com.

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Idaho Potato’s Newest TV Commercial to Air Nationwide

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by Idaho Potato CommissionIdahoP

EAGLE, Idaho – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) recently released the latest addition to its series of highly memorable television commercials starring the Real Idaho® Potato Farmer Mark Coombs in search of his famed Big Idaho® Potato Truck.  In this fourth spot, Farmer Mark sets off on a mission with his bloodhound, Otis to find his missing truck after he sees college football sideline reporter, Heather Cox with his truck on the local news.

The “Missing” commercials featuring Farmer Mark made their debut four years ago during the first Big Idaho® Potato Truck Tour.

“Pairing our two largest marketing campaigns has proven to be highly successful,” says Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “By featuring the Big Idaho® Potato Truck in our ads, we are essentially promoting the tour ten months out of the year. And, we know the campaign works because almost everywhere the truck travels, folks who have seen the commercial tell the traveling Tater Team to go home!”

The new commercial made its national debut during the Boise State University vs. University of Washington football game on September 5 and began running regularly in mid-October on national cable networks including The Food Network, CNN, Headline News, Fox News, The History Channel and The Cooking Channel.  The commercial will air through early February and generate more than 550 million audience impressions.

Heather Cox, a college football sideline reporter who has been working with the IPC for three years made a cameo appearance as herself in the commercial.  During football season, the Idaho resident helps generate excitement for Idaho® potatoes among college football fans and spud lovers across the country.  Currently she is helping the IPC promote its first online tailgating recipe contest.

The Big Idaho® Potato Truck just completed its fourth cross-country journey.  The tour began in 2012 as a one-year campaign to celebrate the IPC’s 75th anniversary and it was apparent from the start, based on the reaction from consumers, the industry and the media, that the truck would not be retiring anytime soon.  Today, it’s a solid part of pop-culture that has visited 48 states, met millions of folks across the country and generated billions of media impressions.

To view the commercial online, please visit the IPC’s YouTube Channel.

 

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