Korean Cooking Contests expand frozen product demand
Farm and Ranch December 14, 2011 When it comes to frozen product market development in South Korea the United States Potato Board has the formula nailed. The Board’s Susan Weller explains the strategy.
Weller: “In Korea we have found that working with specifically with companies and doing menu development contests within the company, really has brought out innovation and new ways to use U.S. frozen products.”
The results of recent in-house chef contests show the success of the plan.
Weller: “We worked with two different companies. One of the companies was a Korean retailer called Café Amoje. They are the leader retail deli chain in Korea. They have 35 stores in upscale department stores. They did the contest and now are carrying five new menu items using U.S. frozen potatoes.”
The Potato Board also worked with the biggest beer pub chain in South Korea, Wa Bar, which is now also selling several potato menu items.
What does this mean for U.S. potato demand and U.S. growers?
Weller: “The five winning recipes that were launched at the 35 stores translate into about a 30% increase in U.S. frozen potato usage by this particular chain. Which is about a monthly volume of 24 tons.”
That’s the U.S. Potato Update. Brought to you by the United States Potato Board, maximizing return on grower investment. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net.
