The USPB representative in Japan recently met with the offices for Simplot and Lamb Weston in Tokyo to present the new “Why Buy US” frozen fries messaging to the staffs.  In both cases the local staffs were very pleased with the messages for the US product and the presentation approach. They intend to utilize this information in Japan as they battle increased imports from the EU and China. The USPB representative will be taking the messaging to a very wide audience by featuring it at the USPB booth at the upcoming Fabex trade show.

Ayam Penyet AP, a very popular local restaurant chain in Malaysia, selling what literally means “Flattened Chicken”, introduced three new cuts of US frozen potatoes in their stores. They were previously only selling their chicken with rice and other local side dishes; however, after hearing from the USPB representative about the quality and popularity of US frozen potatoes, they decided to include these three cuts on their regular menu. Response since the launch has been good, and management is very pleased. This is a new channel for US frozen potatoes, as, previously, the local restaurant chains do not offer US frozen potatoes on their regular menu.

The manager of the supermarket chain Agricola Nortena El Rayo, located in Piedras Negras, reported that as a result of the training by the USPB, their handling procedures have improved, resulting in a sales increase as they are now offering customers a better product. Based on the variety information provided by the USPB, the chain is considering expanded the types of US potatoes sold.

Econsave, a local supermarket chain in Malaysia, recently introduce US Russet potatoes in their stores. This supermarket chain previously only sold potatoes from China, India and Indonesia. Econsave visited the USPB booth at the recent Food Hotel Malaysia, and after discussing with their management staff, they decided to have fresh US potatoes in their stores.

A recent check with chefs that attended the chef workshop in December found 11 of the 21 chefs have introduced new dishes using US fresh potatoes in their outlets. There were another three more considering or waiting for management approval to add new items using fresh US potatoes. Most of the new dishes are using fresh US Russet potatoes, but there are also a few dishes using the colored varieties. The feedback was that most of the chefs found our workshop very informative, and they are now more comfortable using US fresh potatoes. All of the 21 chefs continue to serve the dishes they made with US potatoes prior to the workshop.

No matter where you live in the US, you can always hear the “US Potato Update” simply by visiting the “US Potato Update” Archives…

4.11.12—50 Percent Growth on Potatoes, Taters and Spuds Facebook Page.mp3

4.18.12—Many Sides of Potatoes Ad Campaign is Effective.mp3

On the Home page, in the What’s News? Box:

• 2012 USPB Annual Meeting President's Report

On the About Us page, under Board Members:

• All Committees have been updated for 2012/2013
• Full Listing of Board Members updated for 2012/2013
• Board Member Resources – After the 2012 USPB Annual Meeting in March, the following files have been updated:
  • Board Member Expense Report
  • USPB Board Member Terms Listing 2012
  • USPB Board Member Job Descriptions
  • USPB Committee Structure & Responsibilities

On the About Us page, under Governance:

• Bylaws – Updated change to Proxy Voting Procedure under Article X, Voting Procedure, Section 3

On the Calendar page:

• Updated the 2012/2013 USPB Meetings schedule

On the Press Room page:

• Check out all the press releases posted from the 2012 USPB Annual Meeting!
• In the Media Gallery, you can always hear the latest US Potato Update radio programs that air in the Pacific Northwest every Wednesday during the popular “Farm & Ranch Report” on Northwest AgInfo Network (newest programs in next story)
• In the Newsletter Archives, you can find past issues of Industry Update

Driving potato consumption and profit...High-profile industry speakers at World Potato Congress (WPC) will examine:

• How food trends in 2012 can translate into business benefit
• Potential impact of legislation change and the environment on cost of production
• The future of the potato in mature markets
• Global experts will examine how potatoes can be part of the solution to the obesity crisis and how to use scenario planning to help your business be “future-ready”
• Practical sessions will look at the use of the internet, apps and social media, as well as how to reach the next generation of consumers

These are just some of the WPC 2012 sessions that will examine how to drive potato consumption and business profitability – global knowledge that can be implemented in your market.

A “taster” of some talks and sessions...

Food 2012 
The global economic crisis has led to a “new normal” for consumers. Ronnie Bartlett (Managing Director, Albert Bartlett, UK) will highlight the key global trends for food in 2012, and how can they can be translated into potato business benefits.

Educating the next generation of consumers
Food behavior is habitual – many of those habits are formed as children. Caroline Evans
(Potato Council, GB) and Glenda Gourley (Potatoes New Zealand) will look at two countries’ programs that engage children and explore how everyone can support this important activity.

Maximizing potential in mature markets 
Rick Bourne (Category Director (Produce) ASDA, UK) will look at the future of the potato sector in mature markets. This session will look at how a global perspective, coupled with local market knowledge, can be a winning combination.

What will potatoes cost in 2020? 
What action can be taken, locally and globally, to help ensure potato supply chains have a profitable and sustainable future? David Wilkinson (Senior Director, European Agriculture, PepsiCo Europe) will speak about legislation change and environmental impacts likely to affect production costs.

See Great Britain's industry in action
With four tours to choose from, one is sure to suit you. The commercial/consumer tour looks at production, post-farm handling and packaging, plus an opportunity to view a cutting-edge retail presentation.

Tours filling up fast ...book your delegate place and get your choice of tour (included in delegate fee).

Don't miss this! 
Partner Program selling out! 
Fix your Partner Program places soon for Edinburgh cultural and historical highlights before booking closes.

World Potato Congress 2012  “Think Global. Win Local.” Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, May 27-30, 2012

Why should a US potato grower invest in a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend World Potato Congress (WPC) 2012?

“The WPC allows growers from around the world to come together as one industry.  Since our customers have gone global with their mergers, growers will be amazed how many of them we all have in common. I can guarantee that the knowledge gained by attending the daily sessions will change the way you look at potato farming forever.”

Dick Okray, Okray Family Farms, Plover, WI

“I often think of all the ideas I have collected through life experiences, whether from other potato operations, or dissimilar businesses, that I can apply to my own operation. The opportunity to visit other potato operations and interact with growers from around the world does not present itself very often.”

Todd Michael, Michael Farms, Urbana, OH

What do you hope to gain from your attendance that you can bring back to your operation?

“Growers will be in awe of the similarity of problems that we face throughout the world.  If you think water is a big issue in the Klamath Basin or West Texas, wait until you talk to your fellow growers from Australia, Chile or India. Many European countries have been addressing sustainability issues for decades, and they are willing to lend their insight to growers here. Information is the key to every successful operation, and there is no shortage of it at the WPC.”

Dick Okray, Okray Family Farms, Plover, WI

“The inspiration to introduce a new or improved potato item to the US market.”

Todd Michael, Michael Farms, Urbana, OH

What would you tell a US potato grower they are missing by not attending World Potato Congress 2012?

“The relationships you make at the WPC will last a lifetime. If you’re like me, your ideal vacation would be a week of farm tours, sightseeing, socializing with growers, doing store visits and just learning tons more about potatoes. I can’t think of a more rewarding experience, and my only wish is that they’d hold one of these every year!”

Dick Okray, Okray Family Farms, Plover, WI

“The opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with potato growers from around the world.”

Todd Michael, Michael Farms, Urbana, OH