The Little Potato Company Ltd., known as North America’s premier producer of little potatoes, marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art potato packaging facility in Nisku. This momentous event not only signifies the company’s expansion but also reinforces its unwavering dedication to elevating global food quality standards.
Covering an impressive 240,000 square feet, the new facility represents a substantial $39.5 million investment and is strategically positioned in the Nisku Business Park. Selected for its proximity to exceptional agricultural areas, committed family growers, efficient transportation networks, and a skilled labor force, this location ensures optimal operations for The Little Potato Company.
The cutting-edge technology showcased in the facility revolutionizes the washing, sorting, and packaging processes of little potatoes, emphasizing eco-friendly practices. By prioritizing sustainability, the company has significantly reduced its carbon footprint and waste output, leading the industry towards a more environmentally conscious approach to food production. Notably, a quarter of the facility’s energy is generated by 3,288 solar modules, making it the second-largest privately funded rooftop microgenerator in Alberta. Moreover, the installation of a state-of-the-art water recycling system allows for the efficient reuse of water in potato washing operations, resulting in reduced water consumption, cost savings, and enhanced product quality and safety.
With the capacity to process around 125 million pounds of little potatoes annually, the facility is positioned to establish new benchmarks in the industry. Approximately 70% of this capacity will cater to export sales, predominantly to the United States. The project received support from the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program of the Government of Alberta, providing a contribution of $1.3 million to bolster local businesses and drive economic growth in the province.
CEO and Co-Founder of The Little Potato Company, Angela Santiago, expressed her gratitude and excitement about this achievement, stating, “Today signifies more than just an opening; it represents a commitment to our community and the environment. What began as a humble vision has evolved into a global initiative dedicated to sustainably nourishing the world, one little potato at a time. Our innovative facility is designed with future generations in mind, leading the way in eco-friendly production to meet the increasing demand for nutritious whole foods.”
The grand opening celebration welcomed distinguished business leaders, project partners, media representatives, and elected officials. Attendees enjoyed congratulatory speeches and an exclusive tour showcasing the company’s innovative technologies and processes, solidifying The Little Potato Company’s position as a leader in sustainable food production.
Founded in 1996 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada by Angela Santiago and her father Jacob van der Schaaf, the company has been the leader in the breeding, growing, and marketing of little potatoes. A delicious, fresh whole food grown on family farms, the company’s proprietary colourful little potatoes can be found in more than 20,000 retailers across the United States and Canada. These popular little potatoes are sold pre-washed with no peeling required and can be cooked in just five minutes.
