Idaho ag groups hope to find new export opportunities in China during a trade mission led by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, from June 4-12.
Potato processors from Idaho and the Idaho Potato Commission will focus on promoting frozen and dehydrated potatoes -- two product categories where they have seen success in the past, said Frank Muir, commission president.
The commission has partnered with Yum! Brands for the use of Idaho dehydrated potatoes at KFC restaurants, which now outnumber McDonald's outlets in China.
"We want to reinforce their use of Idaho product," Muir said.
The group will also meet with distributors, retailers and food service companies in an effort to expand usage of Idaho-branded frozen potato products, he said.
Otter's background in the potato industry is a huge asset, Muir said. The governor is a former executive at Boise-based J.R. Simplot Co.