This renowned group of culinary experts quickly slipped into friendly competition mode as they prepped, peeled and presented their Idaho® potato sides to a panel of judges.  The judging team included Frank Muir, IPC President & CEO; Don Odiorne, IPC Vice President, Foodservice and none other than nationally syndicated TV personality Art Ginsburg, aka “Mr. Food.”  “This evening’s side dishes once again reminded us of not only the passion and talent demonstrated by these chefs but the breadth of ideas for serving Idaho® potatoes,” said Frank Muir.  “Tonight was no exception.  All the participating chefs deserve a round of applause.  After we visited all 13 booths, where we conducted our sampling and scoring, we awarded the Grand Prize to Chef Zeitouni for his Homemade Tater Tots.”

“I am always on the lookout for great tasting recipes that use readily available and low-cost ingredients, like Idaho® potatoes.  Once again, these top-notch chefs over-delivered in this year’s Side Dish Challenge and elevated the Idaho^® potato, to ‘celebrity food’ status,” said Mr. Food.  “It’s important to stay inspired in the kitchen and be reminded that there are endless cooking options with great-tasting, healthy ingredients.  The dishes I tasted tonight are a testament to America’s culinary creativity.”

“The Homemade Tater Tots are really a simple dish – easy to prepare, healthy and delicious. It’s basically an Idaho® potato cake mixed with shallots and green onions,” said Zeitouni. “Idaho® potatoes work especially well for the Tater Tots because of their high solids content – more potato, less water – they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.”

Chef Zeitouni received special kudos from Mr. Food, who after he tasted the Tater Tots, exclaimed “OOH IT’S SO GOOD!!”

In addition to the Side Dish Challenge, IPC hosted a tropical themed booth, serving freshly cut Idaho^® Potato Parmesan Fries with savory dipping sauces under the supervision of Chef Todd Downs, President of Food Sense in Fort Wayne, IN.  Students from Florida International University assisted Chef Downs who served hundreds of hungry Burger Bash guests.

The side dishes were judged on a five-point scale for each of the following criteria:  Use of Product, Originality, Presentation and Flavor.  The side dish with the highest total score captured the Grand Prize.  Other participating chefs included

• Govind Armstrong – 8 Oz. Burger Bar
• Jonathan Bennett – Moxie, The Restaurant and Red, The Steakhouse
• Sean Brasel – Meat Market
• David Burke – David Burke’s Primehouse
• Thomas Connell – Bistro One LR at The Ritz-Carlton
• Gabriel Fenton – Bourbon Steak
• Stephanie Izard – The Drunken Goat
• Jake Linzinmeir – X Café
• Michael Lomonaco – Porter House New York
• Tim Love – Love Shack
• Olivier Muller – DB Bistro Moderne
• Laurent Tourondel – BLT Burger

For consumer and foodservice recipes and tips, visit www.idahopotato.com

About South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.

About the Idaho Potato Commission The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho®” potato and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

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“The Idaho Potato Commission is extremely proud to support this volunteer-driven, humanitarian organization that provides meals to millions of hungry and malnourished people around the world,” said Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission.  “Of course in recent days, all of our attention has turned to Haiti.  The Commission has looked at many different ways to provide aide to the Haitian people.  We feel that the Feed My Starving Children donation will allow us to do exactly what we need to do — which is to put nutritional food directly into the hands of those who need it most, especially the children.”

The Manna Pack™-Potato meals will be assembled at a Mobile Pack™-Potato event in Boise, ID this August by volunteers who will pack, seal, box and place 230,000 meals on to pallets and prepare them for loading and shipping. Simultaneously a similar event will be taking place in the Pocatello, ID area.

To help raise funds and awareness, as well as recruit volunteers for the August Mobile Pack event, representatives from Feed My Starving Children and the Boise State University (BSU) Political Science Association will host a kick-off event on February 27, 2010 at BSU in the Simplot Ballroom. Keynote speakers, which include representatives from the Idaho Potato Commission, the United States Potato Board and Feed My Starving Children, will each share remarks.  The event begins at 7:00pm.

About Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian nonprofit hunger relief organization, founded in 1987 that strives to eliminate starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need.  For more information visit http://www.fmsc.org/.

About the Idaho Potato Commission

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho®” potato and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

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Attend this free informational event and enjoy music by the “Blues Addicts,” light refreshments, door prizes and global marketplace items When: February 27, 2010

Simplot Ballroom, Boise State University

Doors open at 7:00 P.M.

Presentations begin at 8:00 P.M. Who: Hosted by the Boise State University Political Science Association with remarks by:

Feed My Starving Children

Lee Stephenson Birkold

Idaho Potato Commission

Frank Muir

United States Potato Board

Teresa Kuwahara

BSUPSA

Now through March 31, consumers are invited to submit their original, healthful, affordable and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes on www.idahopotato.com for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize. Recipes will be judged by the potato pros on the following criteria:

• Use of Idaho® potatoes as the main ingredient (potatoes can be fresh, frozen or dehydrated);
• recipe calls for no more than 10 ingredients;
• originality and taste;
• ease of preparation;
• overall healthfulness of the recipe and cost to make.

“The recession has prompted many consumers to dust off their cookbooks and prepare healthy and affordable meals at home versus dining out,” said Frank Muir, President/CEO, Idaho Potato Commission.  “Idaho® potatoes, which cost around 25 cents each, are the perfect main ingredient for just about any meal.  Not only are they low-cost and versatile, they are loaded with important vitamins and minerals.”

Helping to kick off the contest are fitness guru Denise Austin and America’s all-time favorite foodie Art Ginsburg (AKA Mr. Food).  For over 25 years, Denise’s high-energy exercise DVDs and information-packed books have helped millions of Americans whittle their waistlines.  Mr. Food’s daily food news segments teach millions of consumers how to prepare healthy and affordable meals that the whole family will love.  Ms. Austin announced the contest during a satellite media tour on January 25, while Mr. Food will share contest news with his fans as he travels across America.

Seven recipes will be chosen with one grand-prize winner receiving $5,000; one runner-up receiving $1,500 and five honorable mentions receiving an exclusive prize pack.  The prize pack will include autographed copies of both Denise’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites, as well as $100 in cash.

Visit www.idahopotato.com to view the contest guidelines and instructions on how to submit your original waistline- and wallet-friendly Idaho® potato recipe during the January 25-March 31, 2010, contest period.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

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Beginning January 25, consumers are invited to submit their original, healthful, affordable and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes on www.idahopotato.com for a chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize. Recipes will be judged by the potato pros on the following criteria:

• Use of Idaho® potatoes as the main ingredient (potatoes can be fresh, frozen or dehydrated);
• recipe calls for no more than 10 ingredients;
• originality and taste;
• ease of preparation;
• overall healthfulness of the recipe and cost to make.

“The recession has prompted many consumers to dust off their cookbooks and prepare healthy and affordable meals at home versus dining out,” said Frank Muir, President/CEO, Idaho Potato Commission.  “Idaho® potatoes, which cost around 25 cents each, are the perfect main ingredient for just about any meal.  Not only are they low-cost and versatile, they are loaded with important vitamins and minerals.”

Helping to kick off the contest are fitness guru Denise Austin and America’s all-time favorite foodie Art Ginsburg (aka Mr. Food).  For over 25 years, Denise’s high-energy exercise DVDs and information-packed books have helped millions of Americans whittle their waistlines.  Mr. Food’s daily food news segments teach millions of consumers how to prepare healthy and affordable meals that the whole family will love.  Ms. Austin will announce the contest during a satellite media tour on January 25, 2010, while Mr. Food will share contest news with his fans as he travels across America.

Seven recipes will be chosen with one Grand Prize winner receiving $5,000; one Runner-Up receiving $1,500 and five Honorable Mentions receiving an exclusive prize pack.  The prize pack will include autographed copies of both Denise’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites, as well as $100 in cash.

Visit www.idahopotato.com to view the contest guidelines and instructions on how to submit your original waistline- and wallet-friendly Idaho® potato recipe during the January 25-March 31, 2010 contest period.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

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In order to help foodservice professionals understand the tremendous value and calculate the cost of an individual Idaho® potato, the IPC is offering a simple-to-use, slide tool designed to determine the price per serving.  This “Cost Per Each Serving Calculator” is small (3” x 8”), made out of durable, coated cardboard and a cinch to use!  For example, if you order an 80-count carton and the produce supplier charges your operation $20.00 per carton, you can easily calculate that the net cost per potato is about 25 cents.

To obtain your free-of-charge “Cost Per Each Serving Calculator”, simply email the IPC at ipc@potato.idaho.gov and indicate “Calculator” in the subject line.  Please include your name and mailing address in the body of the email and the IPC will forward one to you.  If you have multiple locations, request the quantity needed (up to 50 free). This is a “must have” for anyone who purchases food for your operation.

“Idaho® potatoes have always been one of the most profitable and healthful menu items for a variety of foodservice venues,” said Don Odiorne, VP of Foodservice for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC).  “The raw cost is extremely reasonable and the perceived value is high — especially with the premium brand recognition that the name Idaho delivers.  A large, one-pound Idaho® potato, in many cities, will only cost about 40 cents each.   It is quite a deal for the operator:  A  steakhouse-style, baked potato for 40 cents can easily be marked up ten times when paired with dairy butter and sour cream  or a vegetarian salsa!  And, if you think about the cost of serving a side of mashed potatoes or fries – you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.”

In addition to their affordability, Idaho® potatoes are extremely healthy. They are loaded with important nutrients and vitamins.  “Many of the nutrients and vitamins are in the potato’s skin,” said Odiorne.  “In addition to the low cost per potato, if you leave the skin on when making mashed potatoes or ‘smashed potatoes,’ you save on labor and actually serve the guest a healthy, hearty and home-style side dish.  It’s a win-win for you and your clientele.”

In addition to fresh potatoes, Idaho produces excellent dehydrated, refrigerated and frozen potatoes that earn high marks for taste, consistency and versatility.  These products also save labor and prep time and are priced competitively.  To learn more about Idaho’s convenient style potatoes, visit http://directory.idahopotato.com/dir_list.php?m=processors.

To learn more about the IPC’s foodservice division and Idaho® potatoes, visit http://foodservice.idahopotato.com/.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

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The Idaho® Potato Harvest Game sweepstakes launched on September 15, 2009 to help celebrate the 2009 Idaho® potato harvest and educate consumers of all ages on how a potato grows. Game participants watched a short, animated video hosted by the IPC mascot, Spuddy Buddy, and then were invited to play a short memory game   The game was open to U.S. residents ages seven and older.  “We know that consumers and schools alike are struggling during this weak economy and we wanted to  give kids of all ages the opportunity to learn how America’s favorite potato is grown as well as the chance to win a cash gift…something that everyone can use especially around the holidays,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC.

Reid is one in a family of six children who have all attended Assumption High School.  He loves the school because it is small and he receives a strong academic education which is balanced with spiritual studies.  “I was really happy to win $5,000 for Assumption.  It is a great school with really good teachers and students who care about their future,” continued Reid.

“I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear that Reid had won the Idaho Potato Commission’s harvest game sweepstakes and the $10,000.  We are so thankful that he had designated Assumption Catholic High School as the recipient of the $5,000 split!,” said Chuck Elbert, Principal of Assumption Catholic High School.  “The Wiebler’s generosity is just one of the many examples of support that we are so blessed to receive from the families and friends of Assumption and we will now add the Idaho Potato Commission to our list of benefactors.  The timing could not be more perfect as some of our families our struggling to make ends meet and this money added to our tuition aid assistance program will help make it easier for a number of those families to continue their education at Assumption.  Thank you to Reid and to the Idaho Potato Commission!”

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

“This has been a banner harvest for Idaho® potatoes,” said Don Odiorne, VP of Foodservice for the IPC. “The crop is superb. We have multiple russet varieties to choose from and they are all of a good size profile, excellent in appearance and have the higher solids content that always sets Idaho® potatoes apart. With the truckload and railcar sale kicking off, now is the time to buy Idaho® potatoes; you can only gain by doing so!” Purchase up to four extra truckloads at $500.00 per order or $1000.00 per railcar up to $2000.00 in total and the IPC will pay you for exceeding December’s volume!

Here is how it works:

• Visit http://foodservice.idahopotato.com and fill out the Submission Form.
• Purchase up to four extra truckloads or a single railcar of Idaho potatoes in 50 pound cartons or bags over your December 2009 sales volume.
• Send your sales documentation to the IPC.  Contact an authorized Idaho potato shipper by clicking on http://directory.idahopotato.com/dir_list.php or your Idaho® potato foodservice field representative for details.  For a complete listing on field reps, visit http://foodservice.idahopotato.com/director_contacts
• Mail in Submission Form referenced above and all qualifying invoices, receipts and proof of purchase volume by March 15, 2010 to:
  

  Idaho Potato Commission Don Odiorne, Vice President of Foodservice PO Box 1670 Eagle, ID  83616

This offer is available for individual foodservice distributors or produce specialty houses ONLY.  Brokers, terminal market vendors or buying groups do not qualify to participate in the promotion.

Visit www.idahopotato.com to review the Official Rules.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

Prominently featured on the recently revamped www.idahopotato.com, the Holiday Recipe Resource shares a collection of 75 contemporary and creative Idaho® potato recipes as well as professional preparation tips for impressing your guests during Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s and beyond. Some favorites include:

* Sweet Idaho® Potato and Ricotta Latkes;
* Parmesan Souffle Mashed Potatoes;
* Idaho® Potato Crab Cakes with Caper and Lime Sauce;
* Apple & Potato Wrapped Pork Tenderloin.

Both professional and home chefs unanimously agree that Idaho® potatoes are preferred when preparing your favorite potato dishes. With a high solids content (more potato and less water), Idaho® potatoes are guaranteed to mash up, bake up and fry up light and fluffy. For chef-inspired tips on preparing perfect potatoes, visit the Holiday Resource “Entertain Like a Pro” section. These educational and entertaining videos will have you dazzling your guests in no time.

Whether you’re an amateur in the kitchen or avid entertainer, the Holiday Recipe Resource is sure to offer inspiration and exciting ideas for all of your special occasions. Visit www.idahopotato.com to explore our collection of recipes, tips and everything you need to know about preparing Idaho® potatoes.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.

Building on the momentum from last year’s successful contest, the IPC is once again teaming up with Mrs. Dash® Seasonings and Molly McButter® to help retailers add spice to their displays and drive traffic to the produce department.

“At a time of year when produce sales are slower, the IPC’s Potato Lover’s Month display contest is a sure-fire and fun way to attract customers to the produce department and encourage them to buy Idaho® potatoes along with other fruits and vegetables,” said Seth Pemsler, VP Retail/International, IPC. “From the thousands of entries we receive every year, many are returning produce managers who know the contest is a win-win opportunity – a chance to win cash plus see an increase in produce sales.”

Aside from pumping up potato sales, retailers with the most creative PLM displays win cash and prizes! The top five finishers in three store categories and 100 honorable mentions will receive the following cash rewards:
- 1st Place receives $1,500
- 2nd Place receives $1,000
- 3rd Place receives $750
- 4th Place receives $500
- 5th Place receives $250
- 100 Honorable mentions (chosen from remaining entries) receive $100

And here’s another reason for category managers to get on board: If your store wins a top prize (1st through 5th place prizes), a matching prize will be awarded! With 115 chances to win and $150,000 in cash and prizes, there’s nothing to lose.

Getting started on your display is as easy as visiting www.idahopotato.com/retail to read the rules and order POS materials. The POS kit is a great resource to spark sales-driving display ideas and includes:
- Two round 2-sided PLM logo display signs
- Two Mylar Spuddy Buddy balloons
- One Mylar Mrs. Dash balloon
- Two 2-sided signs (large and small) featuring an appetizing photo to decorate your display

And don’t forget to browse the IPC’s other useful tools, including clip art and photos, to help create custom signs.

IPC’s Potato Lover’s Month Display Contest Details

To enter, stores must create an attention-grabbing display prominently featuring the IPC’s PLM POS materials and promoting Idaho® potato products (both fresh and dehydrated), Mrs. Dash® Seasoning Blends and Molly McButter®. Displays must be in place, in the produce section of the store, at least one week during the January 25 – February 26, 2010 contest period. The contest is open to retail supermarket chains and independents only. Retailers should review the Official Rules to determine the category that best fits their store.

To qualify, be sure to include the following products:

- Fresh Idaho® potatoes (bag, bulk or both) that have a clear label showing the Idaho® name and the “Grown In Idaho®” seal (displays may not include potato products from other states)
- A clearly marked Idaho® dehydrated potato product
- Mrs. Dash® Seasoning Blends
- Molly McButter®

Retailers can use the downloadable POS materials and/or they may create their own display support materials. Creativity is encouraged! Entries are limited to one per store. To enter online (or to obtain an entry form), retailers must visit www.idahopotato.com/retail, click on “Potato Lover’s Month Display Contest” and follow the directions.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged and prizes awarded by the PLM Retail Display Contest Review Committee. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: use of PLM signage; creativity of the display; how the display incorporates the partner products; and perceived salability of the display.

All entries must be received no later than March 31, 2010. All winners will be notified by May 1, 2010 and posted on www.idahopotato.com/retail.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.