Potato Nation
01 April 2014
If you’re 45 or older, you probably prefer a baked potato over french fries, according to results of a recent study. However you like your potato, it’s the vegetable of choice for nearly one-quarter of Americans, and virtually everyone in this country eats them.
In the latest consumer survey by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) conducted in January 2014, 97% of Americans said they eat potatoes, and more than 81% enjoy them as a side dish, snack or main course on average of three days per week.
Conducted prior to Potato Lover’s Month (February), the survey polled 1,000 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, and delivered unambiguously pro-potato results. “America’s favorite vegetable is now consumed three times a week, up from two times weekly in 2009,” says Frank Muir, IPC president and CEO.
Other revelations include:
- More men than women (84% vs. 78%) eat potatoes once a week
- Regionally, Midwesterners are most likely to eat potatoes at least once a week (88%)
- Popularity of preparations rank with ease of preparation–baked (29%), mashed (25%), french fries (17%), hash browns (9%), potato chips (5%)
- Consumers ages 45+ favor baked potatoes (36% vs. 23% for ages 18-44)
- Consumers ages 18-44 prefer french fries (21% vs. 12% for age 45+)
- Nearly 25% choose potatoes as the vegetable they crave; leafy greens follow at 20%
- 72% said they would eat Idaho® potatoes in preference to potatoes from other states
The survey results reinforce the success of IPC marketing efforts. “The Idaho Potato Commission’s marketing programs have one main objective: to increase Idaho potato consumption nationwide,” Muir says. “We’re thrilled with the survey results, which [find] consumer attitudes toward potatoes wholeheartedly positive.”
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit: www.idahopotato.com.
Photo:Based on results of the recent survey commissioned by the Idaho Potato Commission, these Parmesan Fried Idaho® Potatoes from Mark Newton, executive chef of Ohio State University in Columbus, would likely appeal to more younger diners (ages 18-44). Click here to view the recipe. Courtesy of IPC