Latest News from the IPC

As a menu staple, it’s a given that leftover potatoes are found in most foodservice kitchens. To prove the opportunity for profit from yesterday’s entrée and side dish, the Idaho Potato Commission asked Chef-Instructor Richard Nickless of the Culinary Institute of Charleston to calculate the cost of producing popular entrees from items stored in the reach-in. In his presentation to American Culinary Federation chefs, Chef Nickless demonstrated how cost-effective and versatile Idaho® Potatoes continue to generate savings with each successive use.

Hot, cold, traditional or with a kick, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has a plethora of potato salad recipes for you to serve your family or bring to the next neighborhood block party. With a selection of more than 80 unique and mouthwatering potato salad recipes, www.idahopotato.com is your number one resource for summer side dishes.

The Dr. Potato Blog, the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) popular resource for frequently asked questions about the state’s top crop, now has its own address. For answers to puzzling ingredient, technique and menu queries about Idaho® potatoes, the Doctor is in at dr.idahopotato.com. Even better, operators will find useful tips for maximizing the appeal and profitability of their Idaho® potato offerings.

The Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) five-month-long Smashed Spuddy Buddy program is quickly coming to a close with all submissions due by June 30. The IPC launched Smashed Spuddy with the help of Idaho’s First Lady, Lori Otter, as an educational and interactive program designed to help teach kids about the nutritional benefits of Idaho® potatoes.

Social media is hotter than ever and the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is incorporating these unique direct-to-consumer communication vehicles into most all of its marketing campaigns. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to Pinterest, to developing strong relationships with bloggers, the IPC has been able to significantly increase the Famous Idaho® Potato brand’s presence on the Internet while reinforcing its image as a quality, premium product.

In recognition of National Celiac Awareness Month in May, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has partnered with blogger Amie Valpone of “The Healthy Apple” to create 5 new gluten-free recipes that feature America’s favorite vegetable.

Consumers weren’t the only ones professing their love for Idaho® spuds during the annual Potato Lover’s Month retail celebration in February. Supermarket chains and independent retailers alike submitted 4,049 entries in the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 2013 retail display contest – the highest total ever in the competition’s 22 years and more than double the average number of entries over the past eight years.

The votes are in for the Heart Smart Idaho® Potato Recipe Contest, launched by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) with Denise Austin and the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. Congratulations to Berti Bonney, who won the $2,500 grand prize for her delicious recipe, Idaho® Potato Crab Cakes. Watch the video with fitness expert Denise Austin announcing the results and get the recipe here: http://www.mrfood.com/Shellfish/Idaho-Potato-Crab-Cakes.

Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents.

As customer snacking occasions climb, the popularity of fried items remains steady, while consumers’ interest in diet and well-being grows. Recognizing that French Fries, potato “tots” and other favorite potato sides and snacks lie at the center of this perfect storm, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) joined Bunge, Frymaster and Lamb Weston to launch www.fitfrying.com, a partnership initiative that offers resources foodservice operators need most to fry more healthfully.