January 11 , 2008

INSTITUTIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATORS IN JAPAN LEARN ABOUT US POTATOES

The United States Potato Board (USPB) recently participated with a booth, samples and seminar at the Food Systems Solutions trade show in Tokyo, targeting institutional foodservice operators, mainly cafeterias, from schools, hospitals, nursing homes and factories. Focusing on the nutrition, ease and economic efficiency of frozen and dehydrated potatoes from the US, two kinds of veggie mashed potatoes and a potato soup were provided for participants to taste. A wide range of US potato products were displayed including frozen bakers, mashed, diced, sliced and shred and dehy flakes, granules, dice, sliced and shred.  According to event organizers, 31,316 visitors attended the three days of the show. The USPB will follow-up with the contacts made to help these institutional foodservice personnel and companies better understand the role US potato products can play in their operations.

US POTATOES HIGHLIGHTED AT FESTIVAL OF US INGREDIENTS FOR THE MEXICAN BAKERY INDUSTRY

The USPB recently had a booth and made a technical presentation at the US Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) festival of US ingredients for bakeries, held at the offices of the national bakery association CANAINPA. This led to an invitation to give additional seminars to local chapters of CANAINPA around the country. The bakery sector in Mexico continues to embrace and expand upon the many ways of including US dehydrated potatoes into their baked products.

US POTATOES PROMOTED AT VII NATIONAL ENCOUNTER OF SNACK MANUFACTURERS IN MEXICO

Held November 8 & 9, 2007, in Mexico City, the USPB hosted a booth and made a presentation at the CANACINTRA National Encounter of Snack Manufacturers, promoting both dehydrated and fresh chipping potatoes. Of special interest, many Mexican snack manufacturers visiting the booth saw a large display of snack products from around the world, all made with US potatoes. The Board’s Mexican representative will follow-up with the contacts made to provide technical assistance and product samples.

US TABLE-STOCK POTATOES MAKING INROADS IN MALAYSIA

Based on merchandising visits by the USPB representatives in Malaysia, retailers at the three largest supermarket chains have added red, purple and yellow US potatoes to their already successful line of Russets. Sales of all US table-stock potatoes at these stores are being supported by cooperative sales promotions between the retailer and USPB.  Consumer interest in the potatoes is being driven by potato nutrition advertorials in the leading women’s magazines and by cooking demonstrations held at malls and in the supermarkets. To increase the reach of US table-stock potatoes in Malaysia, the USPB’s reps have been traveling to the Klang valley, the second largest population center outside of Kuala Lumpur. By meeting with retailers and chefs in this region, the USPB is generating new demand for US potatoes.

FEATURING NEW TABLE-STOCK VARIETIES DRAWS ATTENTION FROM HONG KONG HRI SECTOR; ESTABLISHES POTENTIAL FUTURE BUSINESS

The USPB participated in the Wine and Gourmet Asia Show, the first specialized food and beverage show held in Macau, China, November 7-9, 2007. Featuring a wide range of potato varieties, the USPB’s booth drew attention from visitors since several of the US potato varieties are not commonly available in local retail outlets. During the show, the USPB distributed educational materials on US potato storage and handling, provided samples of the US potato varieties and established new trade contacts with chefs from major restaurants and hotels. This trade show attracted over 7,300 visitors from the foodservice, catering and hospitality sectors. Because the foodservice sector offers a great amount of growth potential for US potatoes in Hong Kong, participating in this trade show is key to helping local chefs incorporate US potatoes into new dishes, and, ultimately, their restaurant menus.   

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