NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Mashed potatoes are hands-down my favorite Thanksgiving dish. My mom puts her special touch on them each year, but it all begins with a high-quality bag of spuds. With the holiday nearly upon us, I connected with Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fresh Solutions Network®, to hear what the company has in store.

“Due to larger gatherings at Thanksgiving, we typically highlight our excellent-quality Side Delights® 5 and 10 lb bagged potatoes. Russet, red, white, and yellow potatoes are great for family favorite recipes. However, many households celebrate with a smaller group. Our Side Delights Petite potatoes are a perfect, upscale complement to turkey, ham, goose, and lamb,” Kathleen told me. “Lastly, some households are inexperienced cooks or are celebrating a ‘Friendsgiving’ potluck-style dinner. For these occasions, Side Delights Steamables cook in eight minutes in the microwave or can be easily air-fried in 15–18 minutes. Their pre-washed, 2–3-bite size makes them perfect for most recipes with less work than potatoes from a larger bag.”

Fresh Solutions Network suggests many promotional ideas to its customers. Here are some promotion concepts Kathleen and her team have suggested:

“Potatoes Three Ways” Bin or End Cap

Concept: Showcase the versatility of potatoes by displaying three preparation styles side by side.

Execution Ideas:

• Feature Russets for mashing, yellows for roasting, and reds for salads or petites for sides
• Use signage like “Mashed, Roasted, or Baked—Make Every Plate a Hit!”
• Include QR codes linking to simple recipes or Side Delights’ recipe hub
• Add complementary items nearby (butter, herbs, cream, spice blends, foil trays)

Why it works: Consumers love visual simplicity and direct meal inspiration; variety drives trade-up and multiple bag purchases.

“From Farm to Feast” Story Display

Concept: Lean into origin storytelling

Execution Ideas:

• Highlight local or family-grown brands (like Side Delights and our Fresh Solutions Network grower network)
• Feature signage such as “Grown with Care in American Soil—Perfect for Your Family’s Table.” or “Grown Where It Matters” promotion campaign
• QR code or small placard introducing the grower families

Why it works: During Thanksgiving, authenticity sells. Shoppers connect emotionally to local and family-grown food stories.

Cross-Merch Recipe Solutions

Concept: Sell potatoes as part of the solution, not just an ingredient.

Execution Ideas:

• Bundle potatoes with “Thanksgiving essentials”: butter, cream, stuffing mix, gravy packets, onions, foil pans, fresh herbs
• Co-locate with green beans and cranberries for cross-shopping impact
• Offer printed recipe cards: “Classic Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes”

Mashed Made Easy” Convenience Zone

Concept: Tap into the “make-ahead” mindset of busy hosts.

Execution Ideas:

• Feature Steamables and/or Bakeables in the fresh convenience area near the deli or prepared foods
• Signage: “Ready in Minutes—Fresh Mashed or Baked Magic!"

As we go in search of more holiday strategies, keep coming back to ANUK.