Latest News from the IPC

Eagle, Idaho, April 26, 2019 – Produce veteran Mike Krage is the newest retail superhero at the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), bringing more than 30 years of retail and wholesale produce industry experience.

As the new Retail Promotion Director-Northeast/Midwest, Mighty Mike Krage replaces Dynamite Dave Rhodes, who is returning to his retail roots as Director of Produce and Floral for Fresh Encounter, a 59-store chain in Indiana and Ohio.

Big Idaho® Potato Truck Kicks Off 2019 National Tour

Eagle, Idaho, April 22, 2019 – How do you dispose of a 6-ton spud made of steel, plaster and concrete? You don’t. You recycle it and turn it into the Big Idaho® Potato Hotel, the only potato hotel in the world! The 28-foot long, 12-foot wide and 11.5-foot tall potato is firmly planted in an expansive field in South Boise with breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains. Today the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced the opening of this unique retreat.

Eagle, Idaho, February 7, 2019 – February is the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) favorite month. Why? It’s American Heart Month and Potato Lovers Month, making it a great time to celebrate Idaho^® potatoes. 

In a recent national survey conducted by Kelton Research, consumers were asked to pick their favorite vegetable, and Idaho^® potatoes topped the chart! More than a quarter of Americans (26%) -- or nearly 68 million -- say Idaho^® potatoes are their favored choice over broccoli (19%), corn (14%) or leafy greens (14%).

Boise, ID (February 1, 2019)—February is Idaho® Potato Lover’s Month! For many foodservice customers a side (or base or topping) of fries is a comforting treat that defines a meal. However, according to the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), they should be aware that potatoes bring much more to the plate, notably an impressive nutritional profile.

Eagle, Idaho, January 31, 2019 –When the Big Idaho® Potato dropped at midnight in front of the Capitol Building on New Year’s Eve, the Big Idaho® Potato Truck, which was front and center for the “spudtacular” show, officially ended its 2018 tour.  And what a year it was! The Truck…

Eagle, Idaho, January 4, 2019 – The competition was fierce, but the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) mascot, Spuddy Buddy was declared the #1 College Football Bowl Mascot by SBNation. Beating out other mascots like the New Mexico Bowl’s Gilden Shirt, the Belk Bowl’s Belkie the Bear and even the Chick-fil-A Cow at the Peach Bowl, the “overexcited, never-blinking humanoid potato” was the hands down winner. Per SBNation, “How could he not be No.1.”

Eagle, Idaho, December 27, 2018 – Freshman BYU quarterback Zach Wilson threw a perfect game against the Western Michigan Broncos on the blue turf at Albertsons Stadium during the 22nd annual Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl (FIPB). Wilson completed all 18 passes totaling 317 yards and threw four touchdowns setting a new single-game BYU record for completions. The BYU Cougars defeated the Western Michigan Broncos from the Mid-American Conference 49-18 in the country’s premier cold-weather college bowl game with close to 20,000 folks in the stands and two million fans around the country watching it live on ESPN.

EAGLE, ID, December 5, 2018 – One lucky entrant in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 2019 retail display competition will be saying “aloha” to a six-night/seven-day stay at Hawaii’s Royal Lahaina Resort, the grand prize for the annual contest’s sweepstakes drawing.

Overlooking sparkling Kaanapali Beach on the valley isle of Maui, the resort features nightly live Hawaiian entertainment, an oceanfront luau, three swimming pools, 11 tennis courts and more. The winning trip for two will include round trip airfare, six nights/seven days’ ocean view accommodations, room taxes and $2,500 in cash for an approximate total value of $7,400. In the aloha spirit, a second Maui vacation package will be awarded to the sweepstakes winner’s category manager too. Altogether, the 28^th annual retail display contest will give out more than $150,000 in cash and prizes.

Boise, Idaho, December 3, 2018 – Today the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) welcomes Alan Kahn as the new Vice President of Foodservice. Kahn will rely on his extensive foodservice and marketing experience to develop and implement attention-grabbing campaigns that encourage greater Idaho® potato consumption at the foodservice level. With more than 25 years of experience in foodservice, food marketing, and new business development in the potato industry specifically, Alan understands the strength of the “Grown in Idaho®” seal and the prestige it carries among chefs and foodservice operators in the United States and around the world.

Boise, Idaho, November 8, 2018 – Members of the International Foodservice Editorial Council (IFEC) recently elected Jamie Bowen, Marketing Manager for the Idaho Potato Commission, to serve on the Board of Directors at its 62^nd annual conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bowen will serve a two-year term on the IFEC Board.