BRENTWOOD, MO - Potatoes make the world go ’round—at least, for many consumers across the United States, they do. Produce for Better Health Foundation’s (PBH) recent State of the Plate research revealed that potatoes were the top vegetable eaten in recent years. PBH is looking to drive vegetable consumption through a partnership with HZPC Americas Corp. and Potato Glory^™, which will host the general education session, Elevating The Perception & Power Of Potatoes, during PBH’s annual Consumer Connection Conference.

“Potatoes are an extremely versatile and flavorful staple in households across America. They also have been the victim of consumer misinformation when it comes to their dietary attributes and health benefits,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and Chief Executive Officer at PBH. “Potatoes have so much to offer, and it’s time they get their rightful place on the plate. This panel will explore new ways to elevate the potato category and challenge us to consider how all value chain stakeholders can play an important role.”

Spotlighting the formidable category and the ways it can contribute to a healthy diet, the session will provide insights regarding specific consumer attitudes and desires as well as value chain strategies to elevate the perception of potatoes and drive greater sales and improve consumption, according to a release.

“For too long, people have taken potatoes for granted,” said Jeff Scramlin, President, HZPC Americas Corp. “This panel discussion will showcase opportunities to elevate potatoes as the nutrient-dense vegetable that they are and differentiate potatoes to highlight variety-specific traits important to culinary professionals as well as home cooks. We are excited to hear what value chain partners can do to sell more potatoes if they make changes to address specific consumer attitudes and desires.”

The session will be moderated by Mary Christ Erwin, President, MCE Consulting. Panelists will include Aron Derbidge, Vice President, Sales, HZPC Americas Corp.; Robert Greenwood, Program Development Manager for Wysocki Family of Companies; Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco; Desiree Olivero, Manager, Customer Care, Wakefern Food Corporation; and Garrett DiStefano, Director of Residential and Retail Dining Services, UMass Dining.

Registration for the Consumer Connection Conference—which will take place April 18–20 at the Omni Resort & Spa Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona—is now open.

To read more about the conference and all of its exciting features, click here.

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Produce for Better Health Foundation