In the run-up to Potato Week (1-7 October 2012), Potato Council is turning to growers and farm shops to help spread the message that there is more to potatoes than meets the eye.
To coincide with the launch of its high profile consumer campaign that will highlight the taste, texture and versatility of potatoes, Potato Council has produced promotional and case study material to enable the industry to get involved.
For farm shops that sell direct to the public, artwork and promotional literature is available that has been designed with the new potato classifications of ‘fluffy’, ‘salad’ and ‘smooth’ in mind. The marketing material is supplied via a memory stick so that business managers can print, customise and display the posters, shelf barkers and recipe leaflets as required. These can then be used to educate and inspire shoppers, helping to drive awareness and, potential sales of named varieties.
Already putting the material to good use is Potato Ambassador for the East of England Kevin Stokes. Through his farm shop, Kevin has trialled the point of sale and is keen to demonstrate its practicality, simplicity and more importantly, interest to customers.
Kevin Stokes, informing the customers of his farm shop on the textures and tastes potatoes can deliver.
For growers and suppliers that do not have their own outlet, there are many other ways to get involved in Potato Week and highlight key messages.
With younger consumers eating fewer potatoes, a good place to start is showing children how they play a vital role in our diets and are a good, local food. Schools are increasingly interested in learning about farming and food production and welcome growers into the classroom.
Potato Ambassador Mike Newling hosts potato themed afternoon at local primary school
Maria Ball, Potato Council corporate affairs manager said: “There is so much the industry can do to support Potato Week 2012 and help drive value. As well as producing display material, we have developed case studies to demonstrate just how easy it is to be involved – whether it is putting up a poster or engaging with children or a local organisation or hobby group. These are now available for other growers to download and use as a reference tool from our website.”