Nampa, ID, February 16, 2007 -- According to the Idaho Potato Commission, the Idaho food company, Great American Appetizers, has announced the introduction of a new potato product line. The new business line extension includes two products, Betty Crocker Mashed Homestyle and Betty Crocker Gourmet Twice Baked Potatoes which join Betty Crocker Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Both use natural ingredients, including 100 percent Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes — America's favorite potatoes. Great American Appetizers licensed the Betty Crocker® name from the Minneapolis-based General Mills.
Along with using top-notch ingredients, the potato dishes are fire-roasted, which maximizes the fresh potato flavor and delivers richer nutrients (versus boiling) and provides a lighter, fluffier texture.
"Potatoes are undoubtedly one of our culture's most popular comfort foods and these products provide an easy and delicious way to enjoy them throughout the year, with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment," said Great American Appetizers President Ellen Meyer, who also noted they may be prepared in either the oven or the microwave.
"Obviously we are pleased that Great American Appetizers recognizes that Idaho Potatoes are the best potatoes to use in these new dishes and we are confident that our quality product, along with the strong Betty Crocker brand name will result in a successful product launch," said Seth Pemsler, VP Retail / International, IPC. "We wish Great American Appetizers well in this new venture and we congratulate them on their ingenuity and good taste!"
Both products are available in supermarket freezer cases and the Betty Crocker Homestyle Mashed Potatoes are packaged in either 24-ounce microwaveable or oven-ready trays, while the Betty Crocker Gourmet Twice Baked Potatoes contain four individually wrapped 5-oz potatoes.
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown In Idaho" seal. Both Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" seal 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.
