The biggest retail produce display contest in the U.S. – the Idaho Potato Lover’s Month – put up some big numbers in 2018.
The Eagle, Idaho-based Idaho Potato Commission received more than 5,200 entries – 5,266 to be exact – this year from retailers across the U.S. That’s a record in the competition’s 27-year history.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about all the enthusiasm for the Idaho potato brand,” says IPC marketing manager Julie Bowen, in a news release. “Retailers tell us they have a great time creating the displays, and shoppers love them.”
For Rich Rosser, a first place winner in the 10+ registers category for Raley’s Family of Fine Foods, West Sacramento, Calif., the displays are a great way to get creative.
“I do all the drawings – I like to get creative,” he said in a news release. “People migrate to [displays] like this. When we put it center stage, sales take off.”
The top entries in each category – 1-5 registers, 6-9 registers, 10+ registers and two categories of military commissaries – receive cash prizes ranging from $1,500 for first place to $250 for 5th place.
One hundred Honorable Mention prizes of $100 are selected from the remaining entries.
And this year, for the first time, the grand prize – an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Sun Valley, Idaho – was selected at random. Bob Gagnon, manager for Ahart’s Market, Bath, Pa., took home that prize. The commission also awards a free trip for the grand prize winner’s category manager.
The first place winners are:
1-5 cash registers
Kenneth Warren Daniels
Nebo Market
Nephi, Utah
6-9 cash registers
Julie Bolton
Kroger J-915
Elkhart, Indiana
10+ cash registers
John “Rich” Rosser
Raley’s
Loomis, California