Increasing the Dehydrated Potato Market to Mexico

I’m KayDee Gilkey with the U.S. Potato Update.?
TK Kuwahara, United States Potato Board International Marketing Manager for the Dehydrated Potato Program says that in the past dehy potatoes have been marketed in Mexico mainly to the snack food industry.

Kuwahara: “There is a big opportunity for food service in Mexico as well and retail. So we’ve been trying to tell consumers and food service operators how quick and easy and convenient it is to use U.S. dehydrated potatoes to make mash potatoes. We do that in a number of different ways. The U.S. Potato Board increases awareness of these different U.S. mash potato products through trade shows and through seminars and introducing new unique menu items.”

She says there has been increasing interest from hotels using dehy potatoes on their menu.

Kurwahara: “In June of 2012, we have had 10 new hotels launching mashed potatoes as a side dish, mainly on their buffet menu, but also in other applications such as their baked goods or as a thickener in their soups. These new users account for one metric ton of dehy potatoes a month.”

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