WASHINGTON, D.C. & DENVER, CO (January 18, 2011)—Over 1,400 attendees turned out for POTATO EXPO 2011. The third annual potato-industry wide meeting was held January 5-7, 2011, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 110 companies filled the tradeshow with booths and displays showcasing cutting-edge products representing the entire spectrum of inputs and innovations for producing potatoes in 2011.
This industry-wide conference featured an exciting and informative schedule of speakers who addressed important, interesting and informative topics. General session speakers were Informa Economics, Inc. CEO Bruce Scherr, Virginia Tech Professor Emeritus Dave Kohl, PepsiCo International European Division Agricultural Development Director Ian Hope-Johnstone and McCain Foods Great Britain Marketing Vice President Helen Priestley. McCain Foods North/South America Regional CEO Frank van Schaayk unveiled the newly formed Alliance for Potato Education and Research (APRE)— whose mission is to unite the potato industry in a quest to educate consumers and others about potato and French fries as an nutritious, enjoyable part of a healthy and balanced diet. Detailed sessions and breakout meetings for the chipping, fresh, process and seed industry sectors were also held to address the most important subjects to each group.
NFL Legend Terry Bradshaw was the POTATO EXPO 2011 keynote speaker. He amused the attendees as he humorously related his experiences as a football hall of fame quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, and drew parallels and lessons pertinent to the potato industry.
Fox News Contributor Tucker Carlson delivered a penetrating look at today’s political climate with candid, up-to-the-moment insights on national and political events through the eyes of an experienced newsman and commentator.
The POTATO EXPO 2011 brought together producers and potato industry professionals from North America and internationally from Belgium, Brazil, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
The POTATO EXPO 2012 will be held January 4-6, 2012, at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort near Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. More information about POTATO EXPO is available at: www.potato-expo.com.
Source: National Potato Council/U.S Potato Board
