Chips remain America’s favorite salty snack with sales in excess of $6 billon. But as an industry that is over 150 years old, it falls well within the classification of being a “mature” industry. Combine the industry’s age with the multitude of alternate snack items and America’s push to dieting and healthier-eating, and there are limited growth opportunities for chipping potatoes.

The USPB dramatically transformed its Domestic Chip Program with a marketing, research and communication strategy. It is highly integrated in order to create new opportunities for chip-stock growers in both domestic and international markets. All activities are conducted with the support and input of the grower-led Chip Committee and are aimed at creating opportunities to improve grower investments.

Chip Committee

The Chip Committee, comprised of growers, chippers, manufacturers, the Snack Food Association (SFA) and the National Potato Council (NPC), provides significant input and direction on how to achieve the strategies in the long range plan. Several meetings are held each year, typically in conjunction with other industry meetings, to ensure the USPB provides the type of support chip growers need.

Breeding/Variety Trials

This work is funded by growers, through the USPB, and processors and helps identify varieties for both growers and chippers to respond to the consumer and support the changing needs of the industry.

Innovation

The USPB will investigate viable, alternate uses for chipping potatoes. This pursuit will provide outlets during an over supply year, and more importantly, provide opportunities for growth.

Issues Management

Issues for chips include "Zebra Defect”, Junk Food claims, obesity, and acrylamide. These issues are identified and addressed through research and worked on in concert with the SFA.

Staff Contacts:

Tim O’Connor
Telephone: (303) 369-7783
E-mail: toconnor@uspotatoes.com

Kathleen Triou
Telephone: (303) 369-7783
E-mail: ktriou@uspotatoes.com

David Fairbourn
Telephone: (303) 369-7783
E-mail: david.fairbourn@uspotatoes.com