“We have been growing potatoes for more than 50 years and continuously want to innovate”, says Tina Gokstorp with Grand Bend Produce. “After five years of product development, trials and testing we have just launched our blue potato into the market.”
Colored veggies contain certain health benefits. In a late 2013 issue of Fruit and Vegetable Magazine, Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald said that most vegetables have some antioxidant properties, but purple carrots and potatoes have more. “Despite their health benefits, the consumer is not used to seeing a potato like this”, said Gokstorp. “Therefore, we are putting a lot of effort in educating the consumer through press releases, Facebook and other media outlets.”“We are very committed to this product”, Gokstorp commented. At the moment, the blue potato is available as a loose item at one grocery chain in Canada, but the company is open to other opportunities. “We are looking at doing a 3 lb. bagged product to be launched in the fall. Outside Canada, Grand Bend sells the blue potato in processed form in the United States and hopes to increase the sale of processed blue potatoes such as Blue fries or chips. Currently, blue potatoes are a niche product and it is yet to be seen of this product will be widely adopted by the consumer.
Click here to read the full article from Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.
For more information:
Tina Gokstorp
Grand Bend Produce
Tel: (+1) 519-243-2435