Latest News from the IPC

Eagle, Idaho, November 5, 2020 – During the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) October meeting three new Commissioners representing the grower sector of the industry were sworn in. Ron Ambrose of Four Ace Farms in Wendell; Mark Darrington of Big D Farms in Declo and Eric Jemmett of J&S Farms in Parma will each serve a three-year term. Todd Cornelison of High Country Potatoes and Brett Jensen of Brett Jensen Farms were appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively.

Eagle, Idaho, October 30, 2020 -- ESPN announced today that the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl (FIPB) will kick off on Saturday, December 22 at 1:30pm MT at Boise State University’s Albertsons Stadium. It will be televised on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers.

Eagle, Idaho, September 25, 2020 -- Forgot how long it takes to bake a potato or if spuds should be stored in the refrigerator? Answers to these questions and hundreds more can easily be found at Dr. Potato on the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) website.

In the Trenches: The illogical decrease of potato displays
BY RON PELGER | SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

What if you were told in a sales meeting not to make a profit by the CEO, president or company owners?
What if your boss said, “We’re making too much money. Cut back on profit.”

What if your merchandising and marketing vice president told you to make 2 percent less gross profit next week instead of asking for 2 percent more?

Wake up. The dream is over. That just doesn’t happen — or does it?

Eagle, Idaho, July 8, 2020 -- Summer’s here and that means it’s potato salad season. With hundreds of diverse recipes, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) website is the best resource for everything one needs to make scrumptious potato salads, including an extensive Q&A section, Dr. Potato, that has answers to a wide array of pressing potato-related questions.

Here are eight distinct Idaho® potato salad recipes to make each week this summer. From classic preparations to more unconventional ones, there’s a potato salad recipe for every palate on the IPC website.

ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 29, 2020 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) recognized Valencia College’s Poinciana campus instructor Dr. Jennifer Denlinger, CCC, CHEP, for creating an Escape Room with clues derived from her Food Safety and Sanitation college course.

Operational Changes in Foodservice Open New Opportunities for Idaho® Potato Profitability

Eagle, ID (June 30, 2020)—For foodservice operators coping with the shifting realities of food preparation and service, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) extends a helping hand as a resource for these changing times. Recognizing the challenges facing operators in a “new normal” of simplified menus, comfort foods, uncertain supplies, meal kits, expanded hours and take-out, the IPC has created the Idaho® Potatoes=Great for Delivery and Take-Out web page focused on the practical and profitable benefits of Idaho® Potatoes for take-out and delivery, including:

EAGLE, ID, June 12, 2020 – Retailers saw firsthand the benefits of secondary displays as they competed for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 2020 Idaho® Potato Lover’s Display Contest.

IPC marketing manager Jamie Bowen says the commission’s research shows that potato sales increase 22 percent with secondary displays of Idaho® potatoes, without cannibalizing other potato sales. “Promoting Idaho® potatoes alongside our partner products from Hormel® and Fresh Gourmet® makes for an even stronger presentation to produce shoppers,” says Bowen. “Retailers really went all out this year to grab their customers’ attention and show them how versatile potatoes can be for home cooking.”

Eagle, Idaho, May 14, 2020 -- Who doesn’t love a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese? This creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese from food blogger Tina Dawson at Love is in my Tummy combines Idaho® russet potatoes, raw cashews and non-dairy milk to create a rich, reduced fat cheeseless sauce while maintaining the texture of “real” cheese. The sauce includes a variety of healthy ingredients like onions, carrots, garlic, nutritional yeast, turmeric and olive oil, giving it a savory Indian-inspired flavor profile.

Eagle, Idaho, April 28, 2020 -- Looking for a more involved culinary endeavor to take on while following #socialdistancing practices? This tasty and decadent Vegan Khachapuri from food blogger Tina Dawson at Love is in my Tummy is sure to be an instant hit with the whole family. Khachapuri is a traditional cheese bread dish from the country of Georgia. This dairy- and egg-free version uses Idaho® potatoes to create a creamy "cheese" sauce that melts in your mouth. Crispy and warm, an olive oil brushed bread base acts as a vessel, holding the sauce in the middle. This cooking project can become a fun part of a geography lesson while home-schooling, providing an opportunity to teach your kids about a different culture!