W.P. Griffin

The biggest challenge for a traditional agricultural business is staying on top of continuously evolving consumer demands. W.P. Griffin Inc., a second-generation family-owned-and-operated potato enterprise based on Prince Edward Island, is up for that challenge.

"Every five years, we're asked by the marketplace to adopt change," confides CEO John Griffin.

Consumer demand for washed potatoes over 35 years ago set the company on a path to innovation that has allowed it to grow into an agile market leader. "We were under a lot of pressure to go from dry brush dirty potatoes in bags to washed potatoes," recalls Griffin. So, the company tore down their packing plant and replaced their entire process with modern equipment.

Founded in 1947, W.P. Griffin Inc. produces, packages and markets convenient and ready-to-serve meal choices made from sustainably grown potatoes. Since that packing plant overhaul, the company has expanded its U.S. and Caribbean markets, shifted to year-round production, more than doubled its output, and undertaken countless adaptations and expansions.

"One of the bigger things we've been doing is growing mini potatoes. Consumers love them because they're small and they're washed. You don't have to peel them and they cook quicker. It's like baby carrots or prepackaged salads. It's just enough for one or two meals. Consumers love it because it's more convenient and appealing."

Thanks to its commitment to product improvement and operational efficiency, W.P. Griffin provides all the "Compliments" mini potatoes for Sobeys stores in Atlantic Canada.

With continued growth also comes new operational challenges. In 2015, the company underwent another complete revamp to address the latest market demands and improve productivity. The $2 million investment paved the way for the company to take on larger orders and become more efficient overall.

After that, Griffin was sure the company was done with change for a while. But as he says – there is no "we're done" in business. W.P. Griffin has gone on to develop new value-added products and tap new markets, employing cutting-edge technology to maintain its leadership position in the potato industry. “That's what we need to do. It's what makes us successful."

The Government of Canada is committed to working with the P.E.I. potato sector to ensure that producers, and the businesses that support them, are positioned for long-term sustainable growth.

For more information on programs and services available to businesses in Atlantic Canada call 1-800-561-7862 or go to canada.ca/acoa.