Potato Council wants its health message to stick

With television and radio programmes and newspapers and magazines currently packed full of features promoting new year diets and resolutions, Potato Council is calling on the UK industry to help promote the ‘Natural Goodness’ of potatoes, by applying for a new Potato Council car sticker which is now available to all its levy payers.

The sticker, which features a jacket potato image and steam forming wings and a halo around the potato, has been produced as part of the One Voice campaign, designed to encourage industry to unite in communicating simple, positive messages about the health benefits of potatoes.

Potato Council marketing manager, Kate Cox, said: “Traditionally the New Year tends to be a time when many people resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle and lose those extra pounds put on over the Christmas period. Although we know that two thirds of the population consider potatoes to be healthy rather than fattening (they know they are more likely to ‘fill you up’ or that potatoes are a ‘good fuel for sport’), we’ve been working hard to get the message across that potatoes are also naturally fat free and a source of vitamin B6 and fibre - so there is no excuse for not including potatoes in a healthy balanced diet!”
 

As well as highlighting key nutritional facts about potatoes, such as ‘Did you know that an average jacket potato contains the same potassium as three average sized bananas?’, Potato Council has also developed a number of delicious healthy eating recipes featuring potatoes, all of which are less than 400 calories per portion.

There are seven recipes in total, ranging from a ‘Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Stir Fry Potato at 315 calories per portion, to ‘Masala Potatoes with Cumin Tomatoes’ at only 76 calories per portion. These have been sold into women’s consumer press titles and coverage is now starting to appear.

Kate added: “As well as promoting the health benefits of potatoes, we’re also reiterating the fact that they are great value for money. At only 15p per portion, they really are a great way to feed the family, particularly when budgets are tight. Plus, we’ve also suggested the best varieties to suit the style of cooking, using our classification terms ‘Smooth’, ‘Fluffy’ and ‘Salad’, to help shoppers ensure they get the best result every time.”

To request a ‘Natural Goodness’ car sticker contact Sheron Crystal on +44 24 7647 8869 or email sheron.crystal@potato.ahdb.org.uk.