Canadians Create Potato Quicky

SASKATOON - Jul 18/08 - SNS -- Tow western Canadian companies have combined their development efforts to create a product called Todays Potatoes. The potatoes have been cut and the cooking has been started - consumers only need to heat, season and enjoy.

Todays Potatoes is a joint venture between two long established potato operations – Barrich Farms in Outlook, Saskatchewan and Bassano Growers in Bassano, Alberta. Potatoes for Todays Potatoes are coming from both potato operations. The processing plant is situated at Bassano.

"While standard table potatoes are healthy, they require preparation to wash, peel and cut and have a relatively long cooking time." notes Jason Meyers of Todays Potatoes.

Processed potato products typically come with added salt, fat and preservatives. While convenient to prepare, they do not hold the nutritional benefits consumers are looking for.

Todays Potatoes offer both convenience and nutrition and they meet the growing desire for locally produced foods that haven't been shipped long distances.

Harry Meyers of Todays Potatoes and Barrich Farms says the concept came from Europe where food companies have become world leaders in the production of ready-to-use, partially cooked, fresh potato products.

"These products now account for a major portion of the European market and it's the only segment of the potato market that's growing," says Meyers. "Strategic alliances with European market leaders have given Todays Potatoes access to the skills and knowledge to bring similar high-quality products to Canada."