If consumers across the U.S. noticed larger potato displays at their local grocery stores earlier this year, it’s probably because the Idaho Potato Commission’s annual display contest drew 5,266 entrants — the most in its 27-year history.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about all the enthusiasm for the Idaho potato brand,” potato committee marketing manager Jamie Bowen said in a news release. “Retailers tell us they have a great time creating the displays and shoppers love them.”
The contest ran from mid-January through mid-March.
John “Rich” Rosser, assistant manager for produce at a Raley’s in Loomis, Calif., was recognized for a first-place display in the 10-plus cash register category that featured his own chalk art. In a nod to a random drawing contest prize — a trip for two to Sun Valley, Idaho — Rosser’s display had a ski-jumping potato. The display became a photo-op for shoppers as well.
“I do all the drawings — I like to get creative,” Rosser said in the release. “People migrate to displays like this. When we put it center stage, sales take off.”
Produce managers were asked to include Hormel-brand Bacon Toppings and chili in displays as part of the contest.
“Bag and bulk potato sales were up significantly, and the box dry packages, Hormel bacon bits and the Hormel chili did very, very well,” produce clerk at a Kroger store in Elkhart, Ind., said in the release. Her display placed first in the 6-9 cash register category.
Kenneth Warren Daniels, produce manager of Nebo Market in Nephi, Utah, used fun facts about Idaho and a carved-foam spud family in a wooden wagon in his display, which placed first in the category of stores with less than six cash registers.
“The display was really a team effort,” Daniels said in the release. “All of the different departments came up with different ideas.”
The competition awarded five prizes for each of the three categories (stores with 10 or more registers, stores with six to nine registers, and stores with less than six registers). Prizes ranged from $1,500 to $250; 100 entrants received $100 honorable mention awards.
Bob Gagnon, manager of Ahart’s Market, Bath Pa., won the Sun Valley, Idaho, trip.
For a full list of winning displays and photos, visit www.IdahoPotato.com/Retail.
