Interview with Paul Holliday, Sales Director for Bird In Hand Potato Co. a division of EK Bare & Sons Inc.

Bird In Hand Potato Co., a division of the esteemed EK Bare & Sons Inc., stands as a dedicated provider of premium potatoes, specifically catering to the nuanced needs of the food service industry.

Building upon a rich legacy of over seven decades within the broader agricultural sector, EK Bare & Sons Inc. has established itself as a trusted name in the industry.

In 2022, the strategic relaunch of Bird-in-Hand Potato Company marked a focused commitment to delivering unparalleled quality directly to independent restaurants and larger chains.

This renewed emphasis underscores their understanding of the demanding requirements of culinary professionals who seek consistency, performance, and superior results from their ingredients.

The company’s long history, deeply rooted in supplying potatoes to local grocers and chip producers since 1948, provides a solid foundation of expertise and an intimate understanding of the potato market.

Their evolution reflects a keen ability to adapt and respond to market demands, solidifying their position as a reliable and forward-thinking supplier.

In a recent conversation with Produce Leaders, Paul Holliday, the Sales Director for Bird In Hand Potato Co., provided valuable insights into the company’s core offerings and their unique advantages.

At the heart of their product line is the “premium round white chipping/frying potato in 50lb bags.”

This seemingly simple description encapsulates a product meticulously cultivated and selected for optimal performance in a professional kitchen.

Mr. Holliday elaborated on the specific attributes that set their potatoes apart, stating that they “primarily use the specific varieties of Waneta and Lamoke which are both high gravity and low sugar potatoes.”

This deliberate choice of varietals is not arbitrary; it’s a strategic decision driven by the desire to provide a potato that consistently delivers superior culinary outcomes.

The 50lb bag size is a practical choice for food service operations, offering a manageable quantity that balances efficiency and minimizes waste.

The focus on a single, high-quality product allows Bird In Hand Potato Co. to concentrate their expertise and resources, ensuring a level of quality and consistency that might be diluted with a broader, more diverse product range.

The unique characteristics of the Waneta and Lamoke potatoes translate directly into tangible benefits for restaurants.

Mr. Holliday aptly summarized these advantages, noting, “Our white potatoes make an excellent fresh-cut french fry because the low sugar content offers a light golden color and the high gravity of the potato creates a crispy exterior with a nice light and fluffy interior.”

This perfectly captures the textural and visual appeal that discerning chefs and satisfied customers expect from high-quality french fries.

Beyond frying, the inherent qualities of these potatoes also lend themselves well to other cooking methods.

Their robust nature makes them excellent for baking, holding their shape, and developing a pleasant, fluffy texture.

They boil beautifully, maintaining their integrity without becoming mushy, and they mash smoothly, creating a creamy and flavorful base for various dishes.

This versatility makes them a valuable all-purpose option for restaurants seeking to streamline their inventory without compromising on quality.

The advantages of choosing Bird In Hand Potato Co. extend beyond the inherent qualities of their potatoes, encompassing significant benefits within their supply chain.

A cornerstone of their service is the provision of “year round supply of our potatoes so that you can purchase our product continuously without having to use multiple suppliers throughout the year based on the growing seasons.”

This consistent availability eliminates the logistical complexities and potential quality variations associated with sourcing potatoes from different suppliers at different times of the year.

The 50lb bag size | Image: Courtesy of Bird In Hand

Restaurants can rely on a steady stream of high-quality potatoes, simplifying their ordering processes and ensuring menu consistency.

Furthermore, the geographic origin of their potatoes offers a distinct advantage for east coast customers.

As Mr. Holliday pointed out, “Our product is all grown in the mid-Atlantic so that our customers on the East Coast know they are purchasing a localized product at a competitive price because of reduce freight costs.”

This regional focus translates to reduced transportation time and cost, contributing to both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

Further enhancing the freshness and quality of their product, Bird In Hand Potato Co. implements a system where they “pack and ship direct from our farms ensuring freshness and optimal shelf life.”

This streamlined approach minimizes handling and transit time, preserving the potatoes’ inherent quality and extending their usability in the kitchen.

The direct shipment model also fosters a closer relationship between the producer and the end-user, allowing for better communication and responsiveness to specific needs or concerns.

Recognizing the logistical demands of the foodservice industry, the company also offers to handle the shipping arrangements. “Our company provides shipping of our potato so we can offer a delivered price. We can handle the logistics so the potatoes can be shipped right to your warehouse.”

This service simplifies the procurement process for restaurants, eliminating the need to coordinate with separate transportation providers and providing a clear, all-inclusive cost.

The convenience of a delivered price allows for more accurate budgeting and reduces the administrative burden on busy kitchen staff.

Finally, the deliberate focus on specific potato varieties ensures exceptional culinary consistency. “Since we supply only a couple specific varieties of potatoes, you can be confident that you are going to get consistency when cooking the potato.”

This predictability is invaluable in a professional kitchen, allowing chefs to rely on consistent cooking times, textures, and flavors, batch after batch. This consistency is crucial for maintaining menu standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In terms of recent developments, Bird In Hand Potato Co. has demonstrated a proactive approach to growth and improvement.

While acknowledging that “developing our bagged potato division and emerging into the foodservice world still feels very much like a recent innovation for our company,” they have actively invested in strengthening their capabilities.

This year, they were “very excited to add 2 new farms to better manage our volume and create even more consistency in our ability to provide year round supply to our foodservice customers.”

The addition of new farms allows for greater flexibility in planting and harvesting schedules, mitigating the impact of unforeseen weather events and ensuring a steady flow of high-quality potatoes throughout the year.

Bird In Hand Potato Co.’s dedication to delivering excellence sets a high standard for the food service industry, showcasing the impact of unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

We’d like to thank Paul Holliday for sharing his insights and expertise with us, we wish you and your team continued success.