Domestic TABLE-STOCK

The Domestic Table-Stock Program is focused on enabling retailers to reconnect the potato category with their customers and providing the tools for shippers to accomplish the connection and respond to the consumer.

In 2005, the USPB took its retail effort to the next level with a program called “Best In Class”. It was and is designed to fully implement and test Best Practices (BPs)--Merchandising, Assortment, Pricing, Promotion and Packaging--with select retailers, chain-wide, and in concert with their supplier base, to definitively prove or disprove that pound and dollar sales can be improved by implementing the BP elements. Results have been positive.

Sales, pounds and dollars, have either exceeded Rest of Market performance or Rest of Chain performance.  In all instances, the potato category contribution to the produce department has improved. Results have either driven headquarters to expand the program to other divisions within the chain or to ask for continued support, and results have motivated other chains to ask for USPB assistance, as well.

The retail program is consumer-targeted and –driven, which is the only way to increase demand and to achieve sustained sales growth. Another integral part of the program as it relates to packaging, POP and several of the other activities/programs, is continuing to include and support nutritional messaging efforts with emphasis on utilizing the Healthy MR. POTATO HEADcharacter as a spokesperson.

With the goal of increasing demand for fresh potatoes by connecting with and responding to the consumer, the summary of the overall direction is as follows:

Best In Class Expansion and Best Practice Refinement

Retailer and Shipper Education / Training

Communication with the Industry

Product and Packaging Innovation

Staff Contact:

Carroll Graham
Direct Dial:  (303) 873-2329
E-mail: Carrollg@uspotatoes.com