Mart Frozen Foods has officially opened a new $65 million frozen-food plant in Rupert, Idaho, aimed at producing and packaging fully baked frozen potatoes, as Melanie Rivera-Cortez reports for Times-News.
The 100,000-square-foot facility will create 80 full-time jobs in the region, generating an estimated $11.3 million in annual economic impact. Julian Critchfield, President and CEO of The Mart Group, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to boost local employment and support potato farmers. Governor Brad Little also highlighted the positive economic effects, noting that the facility will provide better and higher-paying jobs for the community.
The facility will produce OH!Tatoes, a fully baked frozen potato product, which is already gaining popularity in 400 markets across the U.S. and will soon be available in Idaho.
The product’s quick and convenient cooking time—just four minutes—has received positive feedback from consumers who appreciate the convenience compared to baking a potato for an hour. OH!Tatoes will also be exported to Japan, Mart Frozen Foods’ largest food service market, with the company aiming to further expand international trade, especially with Japan.
Mart Frozen Foods, part of The Mart Group, a collective of grower-owned operations, has been delivering sustainably farmed potatoes since 1980. With its new facility, the company is not only contributing to the local economy but also reinforcing Idaho’s reputation for high-quality potatoes.
Source: Times-News. Read the original report here
Image: Credit Gov. Brad Little, center left, and Mart Frozen Foods CEO Julian Critchfield, center right, cut the ribbon along with other guests and dignitaries during the grand opening for Mart Frozen Foods on Wednesday in Rupert. Credit Drew Nash Times-News
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