Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/546249
As it celebrates its 20th birthday throughout 2015, Potandon continues to take pride in being an industry innovator. Another area in which the company has evolved—and been an industry leader in— is variety development. "We have literally searched the globe for great varieties," says Ottum. "We've worked with breeders all over the world searching for the latest and greatest potato that might work here in North America." The company has brought in its proprietary varieties from around the world, the most well-known of which are probably the red-skinned, yellow-fleshed Klondike Rose™ potato or the yellow- skinned, yellow fleshed Klondike Goldust™ potato. "Klondike Rose was something that was unheard of when we introduced it 12 years ago," says Ottum. "It's pretty wild, even today, but it turned out to be a really unique and successful product." Ottum firmly believes Potandon's success stems from two primary things. First is its having embraced evolution rather than making an attempt to hold it off. "What you absolutely cannot do is nothing," he stresses. "That's No. 1. As an industry, we all need to move forward." Secondly, and just as important, he emphasizes "are the great employees, growers, vendor partners and customers to make it all happen. Without the hard work and loyalty of all we would not be where we are today." While he concedes that perhaps not everyone is suited to the role of innovator, Ottum understands the importance of individuals and companies welcoming any change that improves business across the industry. "People and companies can survive and succeed under lots of different scenarios," he says, "but the path we've chosen is to try to meet consumer needs when the consumer doesn't even know they have the need, and try to get ahead of the curve and provide for those needs. "It'll be fun to sit back 20 years from now and really look back and see how far we will have come in our second 20 years," he continues, leaning back in his chair a little. "There are so many more exciting things we can do. There are just so many opportunities." PG 20 Potato Grower |AUGUST 2015 Potandon at 20 DIFFERENT AND BEAUTIFUL Potandon's proprietary varieties, particularly its Klondike varieties, are just one example of the company's dedication to innovation.