This year, the IPC has made it easier and more affordable than ever for shippers to add the American Heart Association's (AHA) highly recognized and respected Heart-Check mark to their bags of fresh Idaho® potatoes.
• No separate fee for shippers. In the past, shippers were required to pay $1,000 (up to $4,000) a year to the AHA for each variety (reds, russets, yellows and fingerlings) they wanted certified. The IPC will now pay the significantly reduced certification fee for each participating shipper.
• Shippers will no longer need to have artwork approved by the AHA. The IPC has been entrusted to approve the use of the Heart-Check mark just as we do the Grown in Idaho® seal.
• Reduced rate for the IPC. Every year, the IPC is required to pay a fee to the AHA to maintain the brand's certification. This fee has been reduced by 40 percent.
Is adding the mark worth it? Absolutely. This mark is one of the most recognized and respected symbols in grocery stores. In fact:
• 72 million U.S. adults (30 percent of the population) "always" or "usually'' use the Heart-Check mark to make decisions about selecting foods and beverages.
• Shoppers look for the Heart-Check mark more than any other on-packaging symbol when shopping for hearthealthy food products.
• 62 percent of shoppers are influenced by the mark when shopping for new heart-healthy food products.
We hope all of you consider adding this important and affective certification mark to bags of Idaho• potatoes. For more information, contact the IPC office.
