Alan Kahn has been hired as vice president of foodservice for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). He is responsible for developing and implementing campaigns to boost consumption of Idaho grown potato products in the foodservice sector throughout North America and around the world.
“Alan’s impressive experience in the food industry, years spent working at three of Idaho’s biggest frozen french fry manufacturers, and deep knowledge of Idaho makes him the ideal person to run the foodservice division at the Idaho Potato Commission,” said Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the IPC. “As more and more consumers are seeking healthy out-of-home dining options, getting Idaho potatoes – fresh, frozen and dehydrated – on the menu is becoming increasingly more important.”
During his tenures at Ore-Ida Foods, McCain Foods USA, and the J.R. Simplot Company, Kahn was primarily involved in sales, marketing, and new product development for both retail and foodservice products. His foodservice and marketing expertise widened at Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, where he was the director of sales for the Western region of the country, calling primarily on foodservice operator chain segments. Prior to that he was the vice president of marketing for Clear Springs Foods.
Most recently, Kahn served as the bureau chief of communications and marketing for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game where he was responsible for all internal and external communication efforts including hunter and aquatic education, the agency website, all digital production, marketing, and the MK Nature Center. He also developed a framework for integrating all components of customer support and sales data, advertising, public relations, market outreach, and media planning.
As vice president of foodservice at the IPC, Kahn will supervise three promotions directors who are in the field daily calling on foodservice distributors, produce houses, and terminal markets. He will also develop foodservice promotions, launch incentive contests for operators, create training programs, videos and educational materials, and coordinate the IPC’s presence at major food and restaurant trade shows in the country. Another important part of the position involves working with restaurant chain operators on new menu ideas.
