WASHINGTON STATE POTATO COMMISSION SHINES AT NATIONAL RESTAURANT SHOW IN CHICAGO

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) proudly marked its 55th year of participation at the prestigious National Restaurant Show in Chicago, IL. held May 18-21, 2024. This year's event was a monumental gathering, featuring 2,240 exhibitors sprawled across an expansive 720,000 square feet—an impressive 10% increase in show space compared to last year. Totaling about 68,000 attendees, the show also saw a significant rise in international participation, with a 22% increase in attendees from 124 countries.

Amidst the vibrant and diverse array of exhibitors, the WSPC booth stood out as a crowd favorite, serving up nearly 6,000 delicious servings of fries. Our team showcased the quality and versatility of Washington state potatoes, highlighting their unmatched taste and texture that make them a staple in kitchens around the world.

As attendees from around the globe sampled our fries, they experienced firsthand why Washington potatoes are a cut above the rest. From their exceptional flavor to their perfect crispness, our fries were a hit, making our booth one of the must-visit spots at the show.

It's hard to be one of the favorite booths at the show, but someone has to do it! The enthusiasm and positive feedback from chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts alike reinforced the global appeal of Washington state potatoes.

The National Restaurant Show provided an invaluable opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders and international delegates, reinforcing our commitment to promoting the finest potatoes from Washington. We are grateful for the chance to participate in such a dynamic event and look forward to continuing to share our passion for potatoes with the world.

This year we had some special guests at our booth, including a chef from the White House, who stated he preferred using Washington potatoes in his dishes, and he enjoyed some of our delicious fries as well. We had the pleasure of having Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison stop by along with many of our colleagues from Potatoes U.S.A. We were delighted to showcase Washington potatoes and look forward to participating again next year!