U.S. Potato Board hosts media luncheon to dispel potato myths
U.S. Potato Board hosts media luncheon to dispel potato myths
NEW YORK -- Trend diets have become as common to the American public as mashed potatoes, but none, unfortunately, are nearly as tasty. The onslaught of diets that dictate carbohydrate restriction has caused several fresh produce categories to suffer, both economically and in how consumers perceive them. In this light, none comes to mind faster than potatoes.
Things may have begun looking up for the potato industry as the Atkins diet began to fall out of favor as all trend diets ultimately do. But the next weight-loss fad has affected the industry with equal - if not more - negativity as its low-carb predecessors. Diets that prescribe foods that have a low glycemic index have opened up an equally negative set of problems for the commodity. Like carbohydrates, potatoes are thought to have a high GI and are therefore not a popular food choice for proponents of the diet programs.
The U.S. Potato Board, based in Denver, has initiated an aggressive marketing campaign to inform the public, with hopefully the media's help, that the research surrounding potatoes may not be as accurate or reliable as consumers have been led to believe.
The board hosted a luncheon Sept. 29, here, at the New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies & Public Health at the NYU campus that included guests from national consumer interest and trade magazines, television networks and others in the food industry. The event was held to inform the media of the truth behind existing potato research as it is related to both carbohydrates and the glycemic index. It was part of a much larger program that was only recently initiated by the organization.
"We felt that holding the luncheon in an NYU classroom would help us to stress the importance of the facts surrounding potatoes," said Linda McCashion, vice president of public relations for the U.S. Potato Board. "Although we wanted to offer an elegantly prepared and presented luncheon, we felt that the atmosphere was affective in making this statement."
The accompanying lectures also helped to drive home the seriousness of the issues surrounding potatoes. Katherine Beals, a professor at the University of Utah, addressed the group with a slide presentation that attempted to dispel some of what she referred to as "hype" about carbohydrates and glycemic index research.
The program also included a good amount of entertainment. Joshua Wesson, a highly recognized authority on the pairing of wine and food, discussed the wines chosen to accompany the potato-based luncheon menu. His clever style and wit brought laughter from guests as he satirically discussed which wines pair perfectly with which potatoes -- or moods, whichever is in more serious need of pairing -- at the moment of consumption. Mr. Wesson is the co-founder and wine director of Best Cellars Inc., and in the food and wine industry he has enjoyed a long career that is heavily spiced with awards and accolades.
Danny Johns, who is owner and operator of Blue Sky Farms in Hastings, FL, and the Florida representative for the U.S. Potato Board, was also on hand at the meeting. Mr. Johns offered a warm and welcoming message prior to the luncheon as well as the after-lunch thank you to attendees.
"Grower-representatives such as myself are asked to participate in these types of events to help promote potatoes," said Mr. Johns. "It took me out of my natural element, which is commonly sitting on a tractor, but it is our job to help make these projects successful in whatever way we can."
Mr. John's natural warmth and sincerity was evident, and his presentation went as flawlessly as though he were sitting on a tractor seat when he delivered it. He said that despite how unnerving it was to address such an influential group, he enjoyed it and looked forward to participating in other events.
According to Ms. McCashion, the future may hold many more such opportunities.
"The luncheon was a part of the national campaign we recently kicked off to promote potatoes," she said. "It includes the introduction of 'Healthy Mr. Potato Head,' a licensed collaborative effort between the board and Hasbro Properties Group, owner of the Mr. Potato Head properties. A Healthy Mr. Potato Head balloon will make his debut in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City this year. He will be soaring above Manhattan with his traditional big, bright smile and his new athletic shoes."
Robin Hall, executive producer of the parade, said that because Mr. Potato Head is an American icon, the balloon is a perfect fit with what the parade projects to the American public.
"We salute the United States Potato Board for its vision in making this nutritious version into a Healthy Mr. Potato Head balloon," said Ms. Hall. "It will be an instant parade classic."
Things may have begun looking up for the potato industry as the Atkins diet began to fall out of favor as all trend diets ultimately do. But the next weight-loss fad has affected the industry with equal - if not more - negativity as its low-carb predecessors. Diets that prescribe foods that have a low glycemic index have opened up an equally negative set of problems for the commodity. Like carbohydrates, potatoes are thought to have a high GI and are therefore not a popular food choice for proponents of the diet programs.
The U.S. Potato Board, based in Denver, has initiated an aggressive marketing campaign to inform the public, with hopefully the media's help, that the research surrounding potatoes may not be as accurate or reliable as consumers have been led to believe.
The board hosted a luncheon Sept. 29, here, at the New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies & Public Health at the NYU campus that included guests from national consumer interest and trade magazines, television networks and others in the food industry. The event was held to inform the media of the truth behind existing potato research as it is related to both carbohydrates and the glycemic index. It was part of a much larger program that was only recently initiated by the organization.
"We felt that holding the luncheon in an NYU classroom would help us to stress the importance of the facts surrounding potatoes," said Linda McCashion, vice president of public relations for the U.S. Potato Board. "Although we wanted to offer an elegantly prepared and presented luncheon, we felt that the atmosphere was affective in making this statement."
The accompanying lectures also helped to drive home the seriousness of the issues surrounding potatoes. Katherine Beals, a professor at the University of Utah, addressed the group with a slide presentation that attempted to dispel some of what she referred to as "hype" about carbohydrates and glycemic index research.
The program also included a good amount of entertainment. Joshua Wesson, a highly recognized authority on the pairing of wine and food, discussed the wines chosen to accompany the potato-based luncheon menu. His clever style and wit brought laughter from guests as he satirically discussed which wines pair perfectly with which potatoes -- or moods, whichever is in more serious need of pairing -- at the moment of consumption. Mr. Wesson is the co-founder and wine director of Best Cellars Inc., and in the food and wine industry he has enjoyed a long career that is heavily spiced with awards and accolades.
Danny Johns, who is owner and operator of Blue Sky Farms in Hastings, FL, and the Florida representative for the U.S. Potato Board, was also on hand at the meeting. Mr. Johns offered a warm and welcoming message prior to the luncheon as well as the after-lunch thank you to attendees.
"Grower-representatives such as myself are asked to participate in these types of events to help promote potatoes," said Mr. Johns. "It took me out of my natural element, which is commonly sitting on a tractor, but it is our job to help make these projects successful in whatever way we can."
Mr. John's natural warmth and sincerity was evident, and his presentation went as flawlessly as though he were sitting on a tractor seat when he delivered it. He said that despite how unnerving it was to address such an influential group, he enjoyed it and looked forward to participating in other events.
According to Ms. McCashion, the future may hold many more such opportunities.
"The luncheon was a part of the national campaign we recently kicked off to promote potatoes," she said. "It includes the introduction of 'Healthy Mr. Potato Head,' a licensed collaborative effort between the board and Hasbro Properties Group, owner of the Mr. Potato Head properties. A Healthy Mr. Potato Head balloon will make his debut in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City this year. He will be soaring above Manhattan with his traditional big, bright smile and his new athletic shoes."
Robin Hall, executive producer of the parade, said that because Mr. Potato Head is an American icon, the balloon is a perfect fit with what the parade projects to the American public.
"We salute the United States Potato Board for its vision in making this nutritious version into a Healthy Mr. Potato Head balloon," said Ms. Hall. "It will be an instant parade classic."
