For the second year in a row, the Wisconsin potato industry challenged retailers across the Midwest to showcase their most creative ideas in displaying Wisconsin potatoes during the month of October, which is also known as the state’s PotatoPalooza month.
After much consideration in reviewing the entries which doubled from 2016, WPVGA is pleased to announce that Trig’s in Rhinelander is once again the first-place winner of the 2017 Wisconsin potatoes display contest.
The decision comes as a result of significant effort the store put into incorporating every one of the its departments in the potato promotion. For example, there was a vast potato display in the produce department, along with suggested toppings for a loaded baked potato, recipe tear pads, posters and banners on potato nutrition and buying local. The bakery featured cookies in the shape of Wisconsin that included an edible WPVGA logo, along with potato breads and cakes. The deli showcased loaded baked potatoes, potato salads and ready-made meals with red potatoes as a side dish. Those walking through spirits department were introduced to Great Northern Distilling potato vodka. And customers were greeted by the Spudmobile outside as they walked into the store.
Amidst all of this, consumers were greeted with different contests throughout the store with prizes of their own. There was a Spudly coloring contest for kids to win a gift basket, a cutting board prize went to the person who guessed the correct number of potatoes in a jar, and another lucky winner took home a Leinenkugel’s outdoor lawn chair simply for having walked through the Spudmobile, Wisconsin’s traveling billboard, and tasting a free potato-dish sample.
Additionally, each employee sported Buy Local Buy Wisconsin t-shirts with the WPVGA logo on the front and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head also enjoyed interacting with shoppers throughout the day.
Of all the entries, Trig’s was the only store that incorporated each and every aspect of its landscape to some type of Wisconsin potato promotion, which resulted in consumers leaving educated and inspired with new and creative preparation ideas. This is what pushed them over the edge to win the contest for the second year in a row.
This year, Trig’s is awarded with a 2016 Cub Cadet UTV at the scheduled December 20th giveaway event in the presence of the Trig’s team and WPVGA Promotions Committee members.
It’s truly been a valuable partnership WPVGA looks forward to continuing. View Trig’s contest submission video below.
Hartford Piggly Wiggly Store Recognized as Runner Up in Display Contest
Out of the entries, WPVGA would also like to recognize Piggly Wiggly in Hartford, Wisconsin, which put time and effort toward a quality Wisconsin potato display in their store as well.
The store featured WPVGA logos and Buy Local quarter-sized bins in its produce department along with banners on potato types, varieties and uses, the chance to win a gift card upon guessing the correct number of potatoes in a jar, posters of NHL All-star and two-time Olympian Joe Pavelski and an end cap that included “Meet Our Growers” information along with product.
Produce Manager Brian Collegnon is pictured here, proudly holding a bag of Wisconsin potatoes near a portion of the store’s display. We thank him and the Hartford Piggly Wiggly team for their time and efforts in being part of this year’s display contest.
It has truly been a pleasure for the Promotions Committee to see the wonderful efforts put forth from retail stores in the Midwest as they support and communicate the importance of buying local and buying Wisconsin to their customers.
