The Humble Potato.
This staple food has been around for more than 300 years in the United States and continues to be one of the best-selling produce items in grocery stores across the country. For most people, buying 5 lbs. of sturdy russets or buttery Yukon Golds means picking up the familiar see-through plastic bags that most pre-packaged potatoes are sold in.
But in our present eco-forward time, is there a way to make this purchase more sustainable and Earth-friendly? Is there a way to ditch the plastic bag? YES! And Vee’s Produce has done it. Enter Brown Bag Potatoes – a potato option packaged in a 100% compostable and recyclable bag.
Vee’s Produce was created in Wisconsin in 1990 as a way to help support a growing family. Today, the founder’s son and current Owner and President, Jason Vee, has taken the reins of his father’s business, and with the help of potato expert, John Alstrup, has a vision to lead the produce industry through innovative thinking and personable relationships.
Jason and John realize that in a world of consumer packaged goods, the times are changing and the demand for sustainable packaging is growing. Plastic bags are heavily used in the produce industry, which leads to landfill waste and environmental destruction. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s plastic specific data report, plastics alone account for more than 18% of all landfill waste.
It makes the decision clear. The time is ripe for a new way to rethink packaging produce.
That’s why Vee’s Produce has created the Brown Bag Potatoes brand packaging which is both eco-friendly and completely compostable (including the glue and ink made from vegetables!).
In addition to providing buyers with an eco-conscious option, Vee’s also provides the utmost value and service. “The biggest value to a buyer is making their life easier,” says Jason, “Buying in itself is a hard job and buyers often feel underappreciated.”
BBP prides itself on paying strict attention to detail and providing a long history of industry knowledge and experience throughout the entire process. Utilizing a personalized touch in everything they do, Vee’s makes sure to meet their customer’s needs. If a certain product is not available, they will point you in the right direction. Even in our high-tech age, the art of conversation is still an important factor within the produce business. “I enjoy talking to buyers,” says John, “whether it’s business or personal.”
Both Jason and John are committed to sharing Brown Bag Potatoes as the dependable, innovative and exciting product they know it is. For Jason, he finds his work extremely rewarding and likes to guide others in their growth and development. Specifically, in elevating the people who work for him, including empowering John to grow into his role as the main potato contact.
John has been in the potato industry for decades and even owned his own packing shed at one point. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of the business from farming, packing, shipping and storing. “When there is a bump in the road, whether it’s big or small, or there is too much rain or not enough. None of that is new territory for John,” says Jason, “He is well prepared to deal with any and all of it.” Having someone like John on board, with his extensive background in the potato industry, sets BBP apart.
Brown Bag Potatoes is ready to set a new standard in the industry and reinvent the way people think about packaging fresh produce. The heart of the company’s mission has always been to provide value, and they are doing it in an inventive and revolutionary new way. Gone with the old standard plastic and in with the new – Earth-friendly paper!
Email John Alstrup to place your order today.