Home Run for U.S. Potatoes at the World Baseball Classic in Japan

Several Japanese foodservice chains have begun sourcing U.S. potatoes for new menu item launches this year, thanks to Potatoes USA’s promotional work surrounding the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo.

Potatoes USA helped develop “Baseball Fries”—loaded fries using U.S. frozen potatoes with traditional American flavors like chili and cheese—that were adopted by several foodservice operators and retailers in Japan. Potatoes USA also sponsored a game at the World Baseball Classic in March to promote the new Baseball Fries menu inside and outside the ballpark. Additionally, fans at the ballpark could enjoy an item featuring U.S. frozen potatoes with more local flavors called Miso Potato.

Following the event, Potatoes USA secured 89 media placements showcasing Baseball Fries and influenced 20 additional foodservice operators with 57 outlets to launch 39 new Baseball Fries menu items using U.S. frozen potatoes. One operator, Takeno Corporation, launched five new items to honor the baseball season. They are estimated to have used 1,000 kg of U.S. potatoes during their baseball promotional period in February and March.

Japan is the U.S. potato industry’s third-largest export market, holding the top spot for frozen products. For the year ending July 31, 2023, frozen export values to Japan increased nearly 26%.

The exciting promotion was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal.