Sweet potato fries are also on 70% of menus, excluding the QSR segment within the United States, however, they are still considered an exotic vegetable; therefore they are priced higher than regular or white fries. “Retail packages of fries cost anywhere from $1.99/lb to $3.99/lb based on the retailer,” states Zieger, “while the consumer in food service will pay between a $.99 to $1.20 premium over conventional white fries.”
Russet House sweet potatoes are unique in comparison to other prepared manufacturers. Instead of water blanching their sweet potatoes, the company uses the steam blanching method which allows the fry strip to retain nutritional value, natural sugars and carbohydrates, as well as their bright orange color. “When sweet potatoes are water blanched, like any vegetable their nutrients steep into the water,” explains Zieger, “They also lose color, texture and flavor which we are able to keep during the process.”
With Russet House’s unique steam blanching, added sugar is not required when coating sweet potato fries. “The coating is necessary for crispiness, as sweet potatoes have a softer texture than white potatoes,” declares Ziegler, “but because we retain that natural sweetness, we don’t need to add extra sugar into the coating to enhance the taste.”
Applying these methods and others allowed for Russet House to have the first Certified Organic sweet potato fries on the market. The company was also first to incorporate Non-GMO fries into their products. In addition Russet House has some products which are certified as gluten-free sweet potato fries.
“Because we manufacture Non-GMO products, we receive a lot of business from Europe, where they are very conscious about organic and Non-GMO produce,” states Zieger, “France, Belgium , The Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia are our biggest consumers.” The consumer’s interest in Non-GMO products is on the rise in North America too.
Recently, Russet House Potatoes began exporting to the Middle East and obtained the unique Kosher Certification for some sweet potato products. “We’re about to enter the Pacific Rim,” explains Zieger, “Australia is interested in our non-GMO products, while Japan is interested in our organics.”
Although China does grow the largest quantity of sweet potatoes worldwide, they are a different variety than what is available in North America. “The potatoes have a different texture, flavor and coloring,” states Zieger, “Consumers outside of North America with a higher income and education level are beginning to look at North American products as an alternative.”
For more information please contact:
Michael Zieger
Vice President of Sales
Russet House Inc.
Tel: 1-888-264-9449
michael.zieger@russethouse.com
info@russethouse.com
http://www.russethouse.com/