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which include brand-name and private-label. Aside from the traditional 3-, 4-, and 5-pound consumer bag o erings, NoKota Packers, Buxton, ND, markets part of its crop through San Francisco-based Fresh Solutions Network LLC, which also o ers a line of convenience, gourmet and fresh-cut potato products. “Steamables are becoming increasingly popular,” reports Carissa Olsen, chief operating o cer of NoKota Packers. “ ey are the best microwavable packs on the
market.”
At the NoKota headquarters in Buxton, the company has installed new software, Fusionware, to stay ahead of its competition. Olsen explains Fusionware “is more produce- friendly and more streamlined for tracking sales and trucks. It provides increased accu- racy in traceability and provides more conve- nience o -site.”
Featuring packaging options of all sizes, Associated Potato Growers claims to o er quality standards that set it apart from the competition. APGI’s Dolan notes, “We are
nFOOTBALL, POTATOES A HIT AT POTATO BOWL
Celebrating potatoes and football in one mega-event in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minne-
sota, the 53nd Annual Potato Bowl provided festivities for football and potato lovers of all ages. This year’s event
was held Sept. 18-22 and culmi- nated with a football game against rivals from two of the largest pota- to-growing states in the country — the University of North Dakota vs. Idaho State University at Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND. The game was a rematch between the same teams who battled each other in the first-ever Potato Bowl in 1966.
Ted Kreis, director of marketing and communications for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association (NPPGA), along with several area potato growers and shippers, has been involved on committees coor- dinating this event for a number of years. This year’s festivities kicked off with Potato Bowl PLINKO at Hugo’s retail store locations and continued with a golf tournament.
A potato chip giveaway and a baked potato bar at all Hugo’s retail store locations, “The World’s Largest Fresh Fry Feed,” and fireworks were among the planned events at the University Park & Memorial Stadium. However, this year’s French Fry Feed and fireworks were canceled because of inclement weather. A French fry eating contest and a Potato Give- away also were scheduled. Potato Bowl 1K and 5K races, along with an evening concert and street dance in Grand Forks, highlighted the Sept. 20 events.
The final day started with a pancake breakfast before the Potato Bowl Parade. A tailgating party preceded the football game.
The idea of creating a week of activities joining together football and potatoes was originally put together by several administrators and coaches at the University of North Dakota.
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