07/19/07 New dehydration company formed

There have been a lot of changes in the Idaho potato industry in recent years, and today, another major one. WRIGHT "We are the largest dehydration company in North America and potato growers own 45 percent of that company." That's United Potato Growers of Idaho president Jerry Wright talking about the official formation yesterday of North American Foods, now based in Lewisville. WRIGHT "It's historic. It's an opportunity for growers to basically get another bite at the apple. This new dehydrated potato company is a merger between RD Offutt Company and United Fresh-Pak Corporation which was purchased by potato growers as part of the merger. The new company which now owns the Idahoan brand has 200 million dollars in dehy sales and about 48 percent of the total category in North America. WRIGHT "Being vertically integrated with a dehydrator gives us an opportunity to move less fresh quality potatoes off the market immediately and to keep our fresh markets balanced so we can always get the best price." Wright says there's been a disconnect between the fresh and dehy industries but he believes North American Foods changes that by allowing growers in both markets to maximize their returns while doing it more efficiently. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott