The Potato Expo marked its 15th year with more than 1,800 people attending the 2023 event, hosted by the National Potato Council and held Jan. 4-5 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, Colo.
Potato Expo 2023 welcomed U.S. potato growers and industry members from a dozen countries who used the gathering to do business and prepare operations for the future. This year’s event broke attendance records for an event hosted outside of Las Vegas, with 1,816 registered attendees and 175 exhibitors, reaching prepandemic levels, according to a news release.
“The tremendous support of our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors at this year’s event is evidence that Potato Expo is back to its pre-pandemic status as the premier gathering for the North American potato industry,” Jared Balcom, the current National Potato Council president and a potato grower from Pasco, Wash., said in the release. “However, the Potato Expo isn’t about numbers — it’s about experiences. And once again, we were pleased to offer the industry some new, unique opportunities to learn and grow their businesses … and have fun while doing it!”
Council CEO Kam Quarles said in the release that while the record-breaking attendance was due in part to attendees’ desire to meet in person post-COVID, “I applaud our NPC team for their outstanding efforts in creating a compelling and creative program for our exhibitors and growers who look forward to attending the Expo every year.”
Celebrity chef showdown
A potato-themed cook-off, “This Spud’s for You — Celebrity Chef Edition,” debuted on the Expo stage, hosted by Ted Allen, the Emmy Award-winning host of “Chopped” and “Chopped Junior.”
In a competition focused on creating potato-centered dishes, two Colorado potato industry chefs — Jason Morse, owner and executive chef of 5280 Culinary, and RJ Harvey, Potatoes USA culinary director — paired up with Food Network personalities — Duff Goldman, pastry chef, personality and cookbook author of Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” fame, and Simon Majumdar, an author, food and travel writer, and Food Network personality.
The teams were challenged to prepare a main dish plus their “best version of mashed potatoes,” using yellow potatoes donated by Bob Mattive from Hi-Land Potatoes in San Luis Valley, Colo., and caribou russet potatoes donated by Dominic LaJoie from LaJoie Farms in Van Buren, Maine, according to the release.
The nearly 50-minute contest ended in a split championship with Team Simon and RJ winning for their spicy laksa, a Malaysian dish typically made with noodles, and Team Duff and Jason winning for their flavorful mashed potato creation.
Supporting the potato industry
Potato Expo is a forum that fosters collaboration between national and state potato associations, as well as the rest of the industry. Potato Expo 2023 addressed multiple topics, including weather trends, sustainability and new export opportunities, according to the release.
Event organizer the National Potato Council also produces the “Eye on Potatoes Podcast,” providing a platform for growers throughout the country and policymakers in Washington to learn about industry policy priorities and to hear from growers and experts on current issues. Two live podcasts were recorded on Expo Stage: “CEO Roundtable, Teamwork Across the Potato Industry,” featuring the CEOs of the American Frozen Food Institute, Potatoes USA, and the National Potato Council; and “View From the Top,” featuring past, current and incoming council presidents, according to the release.
The event also highlighted the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF), a 501(c)3 organization that provides tools, training and support necessary to help growers and industry members develop as leaders. Live and silent auctions held during the kickoff reception raised nearly $60,000 for the foundation.
When is Potato Expo 2024?
Next year’s event is planned for Jan. 10-11, 2024, in Austin, Texas. More information is available at potato-expo.com.
