Tops Markets in Olean, NY, was honored as the Grand Prize winner for the Northeast/Midwest region in the Idaho Potato Commission’s Potato Lovers Month retail display contest.

Assistant Store Manager Michele Gangloff, Produce Manager Danny Hollowell and their team constructed the winning display and were recognized during a surprise presentation at the store on June 4. Also on hand were Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral for Northeast Shared Services, and Bob Bonus, produce specialist at Tops Markets, as well as Matt Zapczynski of the IPC and Nancy Bryner of Potandon Produce, which supplies Tops with Idaho potatoes.

According to Zapczynski, who is IPC’s retail promotion director for the Northeast and Midwest, the 2026 contest drew a strong response, with more than 2,100 entries. Three Grand Prize winners were awarded a television valued at $3,500, while all entrants received a 4k projector. In total, the value of prizes awarded was more than $150,000.

“We continue to be amazed by the level of creativity our retail partners bring to the table each year,” said Zapczynski. “Surpassing 2,100 entries this year is a tremendous accomplishment, and the originality, energy and attention to detail showcased in these displays made this year especially memorable.”

Cady praised the Idaho Potato Commission for holding this long-running contest and said it provides a lift for his stores and the produce associates during what is otherwise a dismal time of the year.

“We actually hold our own internal contest each February as a way to provide some excitement for our team members,” said Cady. “Let’s face it, we’re in western New York, in February, and football season is over. So we like to do something that helps build morale. Our team gets very excited each year, and this year really brought out their competitive spirit.”

“Potandon is a big supporter of the Idaho Potato Commission’s annual Potato Lovers Month promotion, and I am excited to be in Orlean to celebrate Tops as the grand prize winner,” said Bryner, who is new business development manager at Potandon. “This annual promotion is a great way to showcase the Idaho Potato brand.”

To be eligible, retailers constructed displays featuring Idaho potatoes in bulk, bagged or both, with the Idaho name and “Grown in Idaho” seal prominently displayed with special 2026 point-of-sale materials provided by IPC. Displays were required to be in place for at least one week during the contest period of Feb. 1 to March 28.

Displays were judged on a point system based on several factors, including use of fresh Idaho potato products; use of IPC-provided POS materials; salability of the display; and creativity.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the many retailers who continue to support the contest year after year, while also welcoming so many first-time participants in 2026,” added Zapczynski. “That combination of longtime enthusiasm and fresh creativity is what keeps the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest growing stronger every year.”