A challenging year but better days are coming
For the primary sector, 2024 would go down as one of the toughest years on record. Peter Burke reports.
The family business, growing potatoes in and around Pukekohe and the Waikato for more than three generations, have teamed up with chipmakers to inspire a new brand.
The 'Chip Off the Old Block' range potato chips will be made using only their potatoes.
On each packet, you can find information about what variety of potato was used and where they were sourced from.
Dacey Balle, one of seven brothers from thirteen children to Bernie and Norah Balle, says the family takes its potatoes seriously.
"And surely, great chips need to start with great potatoes," he says.
"The 'Chip Off the Old Block' recipe is based on a few quality ingredients, just as you might find them in your own pantry – great potatoes, sunflower oil, natural seasonings – and that's it.
"And, as little as possible is done to them through the manufacturing process, for the flat cuts the skins are left on and potatoes are sliced nice and thick."
'Chip Off the Old Block' chips will be available in major supermarkets.
