USPB organizes reverse trade mission 'Processed Potatoes 101'

The U.S. Potato Board recently wrapped a week-long course called "Processed Potatoes 101"for business representatives from more than 14 countries.

The gathering, which took place in Pasco, Wash., was the largest the board ever put together.

The session offered distributors and importers of U.S. processed potato products information about production, the types of processed products available, cold chain handling, potato nutrition and processed potato food trends.

"I just decided to have a reverse trade mission to ensure they understand we have high-quality potatoes, as well as understand everything they need to do to maintain that quality,"said Susan Weller, the board's international marketing manager for frozen potatoes.

The group observed the fall potato harvest and visited three processing facilities to see how french fries are cut and handled for delivery.