A creative Idaho potato display and a passion for innovative produce merchandising earned Garrett Fowden, produce manager at Kamas Food Town in Kamas, UT, the Western Region Grand Prize in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Month Retail Display Contest.

Fowden’s display met all contest requirements, earning him a place in the grand prize drawing, where his entry was randomly selected from thousands of qualifying displays submitted by retailers across North America.

To mark the occasion, Patrick Mills, retail promotion director-West for the Idaho Potato Commission, traveled to Kamas Food Town to personally surprise Fowden with the grand prize — a new television — and celebrate the achievement alongside store associates. The presentation quickly turned into a storewide celebration as coworkers gathered to congratulate Fowden while sharing pizza provided for the occasion.

While the display earned Fowden the winning entry, Mills said his visit also highlighted the produce manager’s commitment to merchandising excellence beyond the Idaho potato category.

During the visit, Mills learned about an overwrap merchandising program Fowden developed that has increased sales of products such as green beans and Brussels sprouts by nearly tenfold. His willingness to experiment with new merchandising techniques and continually improve the department has made him a standout within the organization.

“Potato Lovers Month is designed so every produce manager who builds a qualifying display has an opportunity to win,” said Mills. “Garrett was randomly selected as our Western Region Grand Prize winner, but after visiting his store it was easy to see why he’s so respected. His creativity doesn’t stop with Idaho potatoes. He’s constantly finding innovative ways to grow produce sales and improve the shopping experience. It was a pleasure to recognize both his good fortune and his outstanding leadership.”

The recognition also underscored the strong partnership between the Idaho Potato Commission and Associated Food Stores, whose retailers have long participated in the annual promotion.

Leigh Vaughn, director of produce and floral for Associated Food Stores, said programs like Idaho Potato Lovers Month provide an opportunity to recognize the people who make a difference in produce departments every day.

“Garrett represents the kind of produce manager every retailer hopes to have — someone who is constantly looking for new ways to engage customers, grow sales and improve the department,” Vaughn said. “We’re incredibly proud of Garrett and appreciate the Idaho Potato Commission for recognizing the hard work of our store teams.”

Ross Johnson, vice president of retail and international for the Idaho Potato Commission, said the annual promotion continues to be one of the organization’s most successful retail merchandising programs because it rewards creativity while driving consumer engagement with the Idaho potato category.

“The Idaho Potato Lovers Month Display Contest recognizes the people behind successful produce departments,” Johnson said. “Produce managers put tremendous effort into creating displays that inspire shoppers and build excitement around Idaho potatoes, and this program gives us the opportunity to celebrate their hard work.”

More than 2,100 retailers participated in the 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Month promotion, with every qualifying entrant receiving a prize. Three regional grand prize winners were selected at random from thousands of qualifying displays submitted throughout North America.

The contest awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes annually while encouraging eye-catching merchandising that helps drive potato sales and reinforces the value of strong retail partnerships throughout the produce industry.