Spud Sweepstakes Nets Meijer Bonanza
An Ohio woman will receive free groceries for a year from Meijer as the winner of a contest sponsored by Fresh Gourmet and the Idaho Potato Commission.
One of the sponsors’ biggest and most successful promotions, the “Win Free Groceries for a Year Sweepstakes” top prize went to Maija Liepins, who received $10,400 in gift cards to use at the grocery store of her choice.
“We are very pleased that one of our loyal customers won this national sweepstakes,” said Frank Guglielmi, Meijer’s director of public relations. “Hats off to the Idaho Potato Commission and Fresh Gourmet for sponsoring this promotion and allowing Meijer to participate.”
Shoppers entered the contest online during the three-month-long promotion period late last year. Participating retailers across the country promoted the sweepstakes through eye-catching displays set up in the produce aisle that also provided consumers with coupons offering 55 cents off the purchase of Idaho potatoes and Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions.
“This was hands down one of the most successful joint promotions we have ever participated in,” said Seth Pemsler, IPC’s VP of retail/international. “This easy-to-enter, national promotion gave shoppers across the country a chance to win free groceries for a year, which is extremely appealing in this challenging economic environment. In addition, the high-value coupon gave them the added incentive to purchase two great products.”
Brandon Steele, Fresh Gourmet’s VP of marketing, added: “Home cooks are accustomed to using our toppings on salads. However, this unique promotion introduced them to a new pairing: Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions with Idaho potatoes. Additionally, it offered them an opportunity to save money and a chance to win free groceries for a year.”
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. Fresh Gourmet offers the largest variety of salad toppings available on the market today. Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 195 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.