BAKERSFIELD, CA - I find that a little resistance is necessary for building one’s strength. Especially when that strength takes shape in the form of innovation. I got in touch recently with Dominic Carnazzo, Sales Manager over at Allied Potato, to find out how the company’s potato season is going in the face of adversity.

“We have been digging in our heels, brainstorming, and doing some serious marketing teamwork during the downturn,” Dominic shares.

While much of Allied Potato’s current product base is mainly in foodservice, in light of the current coronavirus pandemic, the potato provider will be shifting its focus to the increasing demand at retail. Overall, Dominic assures me the company is as strong as ever.

“We will have some exciting new programs coming down the pipeline, which will provide us a presence in the retail space as well as a possible direct-to-consumer pathway,” he continues. “We’re also innovating and updating some of our packaging concepts that will come into play down the road.”

A silver lining on a gray cloud, but the skies are clearing as the dynamic company continues to push forward to bring the best spuds possible.

“We are fortunate to have a very strong and diversified company,” Dominic tells me. “In the past couple of weeks, markets have been depressed slightly with lack of demand. However, demand is increasing by the day. Allied Potato is able to pivot into different market sectors and mitigate the loss of any major product volumes.”

Allied Potato plans to finish its Northwest storage season in Pasco, Washington, within the next few weeks, setting the stage for a seamless transition right into the grower’s new season production in California, starting with the Atlantic variety.

“As we’re finishing our Washington storage spuds, we’re seeing really good yields. For our new crop California potatoes, the quality is absolutely stellar!” explains Dominic. “Weather has been very favorable for excellent growing conditions and the plants have flourished.”

Mother Nature has indeed been kind as of late. For the next few weeks going into summer, Allied Potato will be continuously working with varieties the grower has developed from its seed farms in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

And as the harvest shifts, not only will we see more retail presence from Allied Potato, but an increase in social media interaction as well. With more consumers staying at home, increasing one’s cyber presence will be key to staying relevant.

“We want to continue to add value to the industry and to educate customers on the benefits of potatoes—especially our Chipperbecs!” Dominic shares. “We’re doing a lot of fun and value-added pieces on our social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and soon to be Tik Tok.”

A strong company led by strong leaders. I for one cannot wait to see what’s in-store for Allied Potato. Until then, keep checking back with ANUK as we bring the latest from the fresh produce industry.

Allied Potato