Potato industry veteran retires after career spanning half-century

After nearly 17 years with the Idaho Potato Commission and more than 50 years in the food industry, Armand Lobato has retired.

Lobato began his career in 1974 as a courtesy clerk in Denver, Colorado, according to a news release from IPC. He advanced through the retail and foodservice ranks before joining IPC as the company’s foodservice promotions director in the western U.S., traveling across 14 states to visit distributors, restaurants, culinary schools and processors.

“It has been a privilege to work and travel for the IPC,” Lobato said in the release. “I will miss the growers, commissioners, teammates and friends I made along the way. I am just an ordinary guy working in an extraordinary industry.”

Lobato wrote a weekly column for agribusiness publications for nearly 20 years and plans to

“Armand has been a vital part of the Idaho Potato Commission,” Jamey Higham, IPC president and CEO, said. “His passion for the industry, his storytelling and yes, even his love of dad jokes, have made him a cherished member of our team.

“We will truly miss working alongside him and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter.”