It’s not long before Chip Week (16-22 February 2015) officially gets underway, so now is the time for chefs and caterers to prepare for one of the biggest events in the chipping calendar.
Chip Week, a long-established promotional week run by the Potato Council, provides a fantastic opportunity for owners and operators of chip shops, pubs, restaurants and other catering establishments to promote their chips and increase revenue.
40% sales increase
In fact a recent Potato Council survey of chip shops participating in Chip Week 2014 showed that for some operators, chips sales increased by as much as 40% during the week – and by as much as 30% in the following weeks.
Potato Council marketing manager, Kate Cox, said: “It’s not long before Chip Week 2015 will be with us, so now is the time to put your preparations in place. The Week will once again be supported by a high profile PR campaign, across various media platforms including national and regional press as well as online and on social media – and participating outlets stand to benefit from the publicity!
“From running chip promotions to holding events or even donating chip profits to a local charity, foodservice outlets can support the campaign in a number of ways. Using social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter is a great way to promote your Chip Week activity and tempt diners through the door.”
Celebrate Chip Week by offering customers a variety of chip styles including chunky chips, skinny fries and spicy wedges. Herbs and spices are a great addition to potato wedges, from Indian and Cajun to combinations such as rosemary and parmesan and lemon and garlic.
TOP TIPS FOR CHIP WEEK
- Run a chip themed menu with a selection of chips such as thick, skinny fries and gourmet – or a chip-sharing platter with different dips and sauces
- Run a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ (BOGOF) offer for customers
- Plan a charity fundraiser, making a donation to a local cause for chips sold during Chip Week
- List all Chip Week activity on your website, add the Chip Week 2015 logo and link to www.chips.lovepotatoes.co.uk
Encourage customers to join in chip celebrations via Facebook and Twitter
For chip recipes, POS material, event ideas and much more, visit: www.chips.lovepotatoes.co.uk and www.potato.org.uk/promotion/foodservice