The Great Big Idaho Potato® Truck Readies to Peel Out on the Interstate

The Great Big Idaho Potato® Truck Readies to Peel Out on the Interstate

Pulled by a Kenworth T660, Debuts at Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl in Boise

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 27, 2011 – What nature can accomplish by producing a medium-sized, half-pound Idaho potato in a growing season took a team of designers and contractors nearly a year to re-create. Of course, the potato the human team produced was slightly bigger – to the tune of 6 tons and 28 feet in length. Mother Nature would certainly have been impressed with the detail and authenticity of the tater, which would have taken the green earth 10,000 years to grow, if it were even possible.

While the eye-catching spud can’t be eaten, it will foster a lot of looks and photos, and that’s exactly why the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built the huge replica in honor of its 75th anniversary.

Hauled by a Kenworth T660, supplied by Kenworth Sales Company on a one-year rental contract, the giant potato will make its way cross-country in 2012 to promote Idaho® potatoes. The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck, as it is known, will make stops at supermarkets, restaurants, trade shows, and other high-traffic events.

While on the interstates, the tater, which is reminiscent of a famous postcard sold in Idaho showcasing a huge potato being hauled by a tractor/trailer, will be sure to make heads turn and mouths water wherever it goes. “I think the potato on the truck is a great idea,” said Kim Wahlen of Pleasant Valley Potato, in an interview with the Capital Press, an agriculture publication. “Idaho grows big potatoes and we may as well put one on the freeway and show everybody.”

What’s more, the IPC says the mobile spud will also help reinforce its long-standing quality message. “Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and reliable performance,” according to IPC.

The IPC’s spud truck and trailer made its debut at the Famous Idaho Potato® Bowl football game in Boise Dec. 17 (won by Ohio University 24-23 over Utah State). As it moves cross-country to promote the IPC’s milestone anniversary, the truck will also raise awareness and funds for Meals on Wheels Association of America, a non-profit organization that delivers more than one million meals each day to homebound seniors.

Miss Idaho (Genevieve Nutting) christened the T660 tour truck and trailer at the Famous Idaho Potato® Bowl football game in Boise.

Planning for the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck began in early 2011, according to Laura Herrick, an account director for Foerstel Design and Marketing, who worked with the IPC on the idea.

“Obviously a big part of the promotion is the truck, and we worked with Kenworth Sales Company and its PacLease operation in Boise. We immediately fell in love with the look of the Kenworth T660 and how it would represent Idaho® potatoes in a great light. And, since we worked with Kenworth Truck Sales on a one-year rental program through their PacLease operation, they handle all the maintenance, over-width permits, and fuel tax reporting for the vehicle. We just provide the driver and go. They’ve been great to work with and a perfect partner in the promotion.”

To learn more about the tour, go to www.bigidahopotato.com.

About the Idaho Potato Commission

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.

About Kenworth Truck Company

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company’s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, compressed and liquefied natural gas trucks, and medium duty diesel-electric hybrids. Kenworth is the only truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, the fuel-efficient Kenworth T700 equipped with the low-emission PACCAR MX engine was named the 2011 Heavy Duty Commercial Truck of the Year by the American Truck Dealers. Kenworth is also the recipient of the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates award for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Heavy Duty Truck Dealer Service. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.