08/04/16

FoodMinds tapped for potato nutrition research programs

Chicago, Ill. (August 4, 2016) – FoodMinds announced that after a competitive review it has been selected as agency of record for the nutrition research programs of the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE).

“FoodMinds attracted our interest by demonstrating strong capabilities and a proven track record of success in developing and sustaining effective clinical research and nutrition affairs programs,” said Frank D. Finn, APRE board chairman and President of McCain Foods US.  “FoodMinds has the experience and nutrition and scientific credentials the APRE program needs. Our program will have a clear focus on understanding through scientific research the role all forms of potatoes — a nutritious vegetable — may have in promoting good nutrition and health for all age groups.”

FoodMinds, which was acquired by Padilla in May, will work with APRE to establish research priorities and objectives to advance the body of scientific evidence about the role of potatoes in a healthy diet.  The work will include managing the research pipeline in coordination with APRE’s Scientific Advisory Committee.  FoodMinds – with 15 dietitians on staff and PhD expertise – also will provide insights and strategic analysis on key nutrition topics, and support in the communication of research in scientific forums and with the broader research community.

Sue Pitman, MA, RD, Executive Vice President and co-founder of FoodMinds, said “This exciting new work with APRE fits well with our expertise in navigating food and nutrition science, public affairs, and communications. We are optimistic about the direction the APRE board is taking to advance understanding of the nutrition and health attributes of potatoes.”

About FoodMinds

FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, is a food and nutrition communications and consulting company that is boldly transforming the way the world thinks about food, nutrition and health. With offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, FoodMinds expertly navigates science, public affairs and communications to create breakthrough strategies and help clients tell a better story. The firm has 35 employees, including 15 registered dietitians, and a global network of 40 nutrition affairs experts. Over the past year, it expanded its capabilities in Issues & Crisis Navigation and continued to grow its global footprint. The winner of the 2013 Holmes Report Boutique Agency of the Year and the 2012 Gold SABRE award in the public affairs category, FoodMinds is ranked in the top 5 U.S. independent food and beverage public relations firms by O’Dwyer’s. It was named a finalist for PRWeek’s 2015 Small Agency of the Year award and was cited by the 2014 Holmes World PR Report as one of the 10 fastest-growing U.S. PR companies. For more information, visit www.foodminds.com.

About APRE

The Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) is a not-for-profit organization 100% dedicated to expanding and translating scientific research into evidence-based policy and education initiatives that recognize the role of all forms of the potato—a nutritious vegetable—in promoting health for all age groups. APRE is actively building the science foundation concerning the nutritional benefits of the white potato; creating partnerships with critical health professional organizations in the United States and Canada; and informing dietitians and health professionals by providing them with the latest scientific research and information on potato nutrition, consumption, and affordability. APRE is a National Strategic Partner with USDA MyPlate and a Produce for Better Health 2015 Champion. For more information, visit www.apre.org.

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