A Record-attempting Potato Pile

Feb. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- MONTE VISTA, Colo., February 6, 2012 – The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC), Firelake Discount Foods and Affiliated Foods, Inc. are teaming up to set the Guinness World Record for the most pounds of potatoes displayed. The record attempt will take place at Firelake Discount Foods in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on February 15.

“Partnering with Colorado Potatoes was a no-brainer,” said Miguel Herrera, director of the Produce Department for Affiliated Foods. “More than 90% of potatoes sold at our member stores come from Colorado, so it makes sense for us to attempt the Guinness World Record together.”

The official record attempt will include 160,000 pounds of potatoes, which is roughly four semi-truck loads, displayed as a 12-foot high mountain range in honor of the potatoes’ Colorado roots. Following the attempt on February 15, Firelake Discount Foods customers will be able to purchase the record-attempting potatoes, as well as sample healthy potato recipes created up by local chef, Kale Blackmon.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this monumental attempt,” said Jim Ehrlich, executive director of CPAC. “Potatoes are a staple in so many American households, and we hope that setting the Guinness World Record will help educate consumers about the healthy benefits that potatoes offer. What better way to nourish your family than with award-winning Colorado potatoes?”

Colorado’s San Luis Valley offers the perfect isolated growing conditions for nutrition-packed potatoes. The warm, sunny days and cool nights help eliminate pests and disease and create a smoother skin, richer color and deeper flavor. A medium-size Colorado potato has nearly half the recommended serving of vitamin C, more potassium than a banana, vitamin B6, essential dietary fiber and antioxidants, no fat, sodium or cholesterol, and only 110 calories.

Colorado-grown potatoes are sold in nearly all of Affiliated Foods’ 785 member stores in seven states spanning from Arizona to Arkansas.

For more information about CPAC and the Guinness World Record attempt, visit www.coloradopotato.org or find them on Twitter and Facebook.

About CPAC
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) is a consortium of 22 major potato warehouses that pack and ship potatoes in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Using ultra-modern equipment, shippers can take potatoes from storage to warehouse to truck any day during the shipping season without exposure to the outdoors. About 95 percent of the crop is shipped to the nation's fresh market, making Colorado the #2 fresh potato shipper in the U.S. CPAC is headquartered in Monte Vista, Colorado, at 1305 Park Ave., PO Box 348, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Contact CPAC at 719-852-3322 or www.coloradopotato.org.