Idaho Pacific

In the heart of Idaho's potato country, a facility built by local farmers in 1971 to create value-added potato products set the stage for a future industry leader. This operation became the foundation for Idaho Pacific Corporation, which was officially formed in 1987 in Ririe, Idaho. The company’s focus was clear: transform the region’s most famous crop into high-quality dehydrated potato products for the food service and industrial ingredient markets. The company didn't just stay in Idaho. It expanded its footprint by acquiring AgraWest Foods in 2000 and another facility in Colorado in 2002, strategically positioning its factories in prime potato-growing regions across North America, including Prince Edward Island in Canada. This growth allowed Idaho Pacific to become a major supplier of potato flakes, granules, flour, and a variety of other dehydrated forms. A significant chapter in the company's journey began in 2004 when it became part of Otter Tail Corporation. This ownership structure lasted until 2011, when Otter Tail sold Idaho Pacific to the private equity firm Novacap for approximately $87 million. Under Novacap, Idaho Pacific continued to grow, cementing its role as a key player in the dehydrated potato sector. The next major event occurred in July 2016, when Novacap sold the company to Arlon Group, a food and agriculture investment firm, marking another pivotal transition in its ownership and strategy.