The phrase “small is beautiful” is often used to champion small, appropriate technologies that are believed to empower people more, in contrast with phrases such as “bigger is better”. In the world of potatoes, the WP Griffin company on Prince Edward Island in Canada is inadvertently giving new meaning to this phrase.
The company recently launched its new product line dubbed ‘Potato Cuisine Microwaveable Mini Potatoes‘ – a product that comes accompanied by selected spices from around the world. These quick and convenient trays containing mini potatoes only take 6 minutes to get fully prepared in a microwave oven.
And most observers agree: “Small is beautiful AND delicious too…”
Says John Griffin, President and general manager of the company: “Our company first started moving towards smaller size and more convenient, consumer focused marketing in 2004. That year we launched the single Microwaveable Russet potato. A few years later we launched a 1 1/2 lb tray of “A” size potatoes with a spice pack and 1-2-3 cooking instructions.”
Griffin says that today’s Potato Cuisine Microwaveable and BBQ Mini potatoes “are an evolution from our earlier microwaveable products.” He points out that the spices used in the new mini potato product line are all natural (no artificial colours or flavours). These are produced by a national spice provider in Canada.
Griffin says his company is doing all of the product development work on site at the company’s headquarters on Prince Edward Island where they also produce the final product and ready it for shipment to retail outlets in Canada and the US.
“We are proud to say that we grow most of the mini potatoes used in this product line ourselves as well,” Griffin remarks.
The ‘Potato Cuisine’ Microwaveable Mini Potatoes come with one of five different spices, including Maple Butter, Mediterranean, Smoked Paprika & Garlic, Sundried Tomato & Asiago and Caribbean Jerky.
John Griffin says: “We are currently working on new spices and mini potato combinations for future product launches later this year. This will include new spices and new choices in the mini potato mixes – yellow or yellow/red or fingerlings in combination.”
Clearly these small potatoes are not to be snubbed at…
W.P. Griffin Inc. is a family owned and operated farming and packaging facility located in Elmsdale on Prince Edward Island. The farming business has grown over the years to become a leading producer of specialty potato products in Canada.
For further information, please get in touch with John Griffin at WP Griffin Inc: john@wpgriffin.com
This article was written by Lukie Pieterse and first published in the February issue of Global Potato News. Visit the website to read more potato articles
