Latest News from the IPC

Take a look at the trend predictions for 2013, and there’s little doubt that culinary compasses are pointed south. With the regional cuisines of South America in the spotlight, diners will be enjoying more of the continent’s ethnic ingredients, like the potato. Luckily for U.S. operators and customers, the potato is flourishing in Idaho. Idaho can claim the largest potato production in the country, with varieties than range from the classic Russet to Golds, Reds, Fingerlings (including the Purple Peruvian) and the All Blue and Huckleberry.

As the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 75th Anniversary year comes to a close, the IPC has partnered with Idaho’s First Lady, Lori Otter, to launch “Smashed Spuddy Buddy,” an educational and interactive program designed to help teach kids about the nutritional benefits of Idaho® potatoes. For a limited time parents will have an opportunity to win one of 75 $100 U.S. Savings Bonds.

Potato Lover’s Month 2013 arrives with good news for restaurant operators and their potato-loving customers. The popular 10-ounce and above, “steakhouse” sized Idaho® Russets are in good supply. For operators, that means plenty of seasonal opportunities to profit from tasty, economical Idaho® potatoes.

This football season, Mr. Food’s Test Kitchen and the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) have teamed up to create a free, downloadable “Game Day Recipe” eCookbook featuring 30 crowd-pleasing recipes. Whether a seasoned player or a rookie in the kitchen, these mouthwatering munchies are sure to be a “touchdown” at any tailgating or home-gating event! Download the free e-cookbook here. 

The Utah State University Aggies have earned a second chance to bring home the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl trophy. On Saturday, December 15th, the Aggies will take on the University of Toledo Rockets on the blue turf of Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is the sponsor of this cold-weather showdown, which has a history of dramatic finishes.

It’s no secret that some of the most popular dishes this time of year are the ones made with famous Idaho® potatoes. To help ease meal preparation and alleviate stress, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has called in a few of the pros and gathered its favorite holiday recipes to create a comprehensive resource center that every aspiring home chef must visit.

Jef Pryor has joined the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) foodservice marketing team as Promotions Director for the Southeast. Working closely with Don Odiorne, Vice President-Foodservice and the other regional foodservice promotion directors, Pryor will lead the marketing outreach to distributors and produce specialists in his territory, as well as conduct Idaho® potato product seminars and educational sessions, and represent the brand and industry at foodservice trade shows.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) awarded a $250 cash prize to Zoe Lowinfell Cauvel of Twin Falls, Idaho for her delectable photo of Idaho® Potato “Nachos” in the IPC’s Recipe Photo Contest. The contest, which had been housed on the IPC’s website was re-launched on the IPC’s Pinterest page in October.

Go hog wild in the produce section this February for a chance to win cash and prizes in the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 22nd annual Potato Lover’s Month Retail Display Contest. Retailers can cater to sizzling hot consumer demand for all things bacon by designing an attention-grabbing produce department display. Entrants will compete for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, and everyone who enters will automatically receive a free Swiss Army backpack.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is now hosting their “Recipe of the Month Photo Contest” on Pinterest, taking full advantage of the site’s ability to showcase pin-worthy food photography and recipe ideas.