The Little Potato Company held the grand opening of its sustainable potato packaging facility in Nisku, Alberta on May 2.
Spanning 240,000 square feet, the new facility represents a $39.5 million investment and is strategically located in the Nisku Business Park. This location was chosen for its proximity to exceptional agricultural regions, dedicated family growers, efficient transportation networks, and a skilled workforce.
The new facility showcases technology that revolutionizes the way little potatoes are washed, sorted and packaged, prioritizing eco-friendly processes. With a substantial reduction in carbon footprint and waste, The Little Potato Company is at the forefront of steering the industry toward a more sustainable future in food production. Notably, one-fourth of the facility's energy is generated by 3,288 solar modules, marking the second largest privately funded rooftop microgenerator in Alberta. Additionally, a state-of-the-art water recycling system has been installed, allowing the facility to recycle water used in washing little potatoes. This groundbreaking system significantly reduces water usage, lowers operational expenses, and boosts both the value and safety of its products.
With the capacity to process approximately 125 million pounds of little potatoes annually, the facility is poised to set new industry standards. Roughly 70 percent of this capacity will be used for export sales, primarily to the United States. The project received support from the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program of the Government of Alberta, contributing $1.3 million. This initiative is designed to bolster local businesses, driving economic growth and diversification in the province.
Angela Santiago, CEO, and co-founder of The Little Potato Company, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, "Today is more than an opening; it's a promise to our community and the planet. What started as a humble dream has blossomed into a global endeavor dedicated to sustainably nourishing and feeding the world better, one little potato at a time. Our innovative facility is built with future generations in mind. We are ensuring that we lead in eco-friendly production to meet growing demand for families wanting to serve delicious and nutritious whole food quickly."
Source: Little Potato Company May 2, 2024 news release