Oct 7, 2024New plant in Idaho to produce frozen, fully baked potatoes
A new, $65 million manufacturing facility in Idaho will produce and package frozen, fully baked potatoes.
Mart Frozen Foods, a subsidiary of The Mart Group, cut the ribbon Oct. 2 on the 100,000-square-foot plant in Rupert, Idaho. The Idaho potatoes produced there will be known as OH!Tatoes, according to a news release.
The new facility is located adjacent to The Mart Group’s headquarters, bringing the company’s total employment in Rupert to more than 230 people. The plant is expected to create 80 full-time jobs and have an estimated annual economic impact of $11.15 million, according to the release.
“Through innovated technology, OH!Tatoes has perfected the art of freezing fresh Idaho potatoes so consumers can enjoy fluffy, flavorful baked potatoes in minutes,” Julian Critchfield, president and CEO of The Mart Group, said in the release. “This expansion allows us to vertically integrate to provide the unmatched quality of baked Idaho potatoes in an easier format, with a longer shelf life, than ever before.”
OH!Tatoes will be available in North America at stores including Publix, Harris Teeter and Associated Foods, according to the release.
“The Mart Group’s investment in this new frozen potato technology and production facility is a reflection of the immense promise this region holds for incubating and launching the world’s most innovative agricultural products,” Idaho Sen. Kelly Anthon said. “Idaho has a rich history of growing some of the top agricultural products in the world – including, most famously, our potatoes.”
