US sweet potato grower, Scott Farms, is launching a three-colour pack of sweet potato crisps made from orange, purple, and white flesh sweet potato varieties, all grown on its North Carolina farm. The crisps – or chips as the US grower calls them – are the first to feature three different sweet potato varieties in one bag and available in 40g bags to fit conveniently into vending machine spirals. Each variety has a distinctive colour, taste and texture, enhanced by being sliced in their skins and hand cooked in small batches using just sunflower oil and a pinch of sea salt. The chips are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians and coeliacs.
Scott Farms is the largest importer of sweet potatoes into Europe and cooks all its chips here in the UK, so it is able to deliver traceability, provenance and freshness. The farm, which has been in the Scott family for over four generations, launched its eponymous award-winning orange variety of sweet potato crisps nationally in the UK last year and has already seen strong sales in both independent retailers and overseas.
Stan Smith CEO of Scott Farms comments: “Our original orange sweet potato chips have been extremely well received by consumers who love the fact that we grow the sweet potatoes, hand select them and cook them here in the UK. We are now doing exactly the same with our purple and white varieties, so we have absolute control of provenance from seed to pack – something we think no other vegetable crisp producer can claim.”The familiar sweetness of the orange variety, when eaten alongside the rich earthy tones of the purple chips and the delicate taste of the little known white variety, create a delicious contrast and eating experience.
Scott Farms International has seen significant year on year growth in sales of sweet potatoes which are fast becoming a staple for many consumers. This was confirmed recently when the Office for National Statistics added sweet potatoes to its shopping basket of items used to show Britain’s changing shopping habits. The company is continuing to invest in its ‘Love Sweet Potatoes’ marketing campaign and will be supporting the launch with sampling at events, social media and PR.
