Nonpareil
Corporation was established in New York City in 1946
by Harold and Robert Abend. Known then as Idaho Potato
Packers, the business was founded on the basis of buying
bulk potatoes and onions from Idaho, followed by grading,
sizing and packaging, and then distribution to the institutional
and retail markets in the New York City Area.
During the
1950s, Nonpareil expanded its volume and markets and
was utilizing so many potatoes from Idaho, they decided
to open a direct branch in Blackfoot, Idaho, to better
control the quality and supply. In September 1959, Idaho
Potato Packers Corporation of Idaho opened its doors
to business. Thus began the era of Nonpareil in Idaho.
In the early
1960s, the growth of Idaho operations was just beginning.
Customers and markets were expanding, allowing the company
to utilize more potatoes. Nonpareil expanded its operation
into farming. Meanwhile, in New York, frozen food distribution
was added and became a large part of total sales volume.
In November
of 1973 came the event which would launch Nonpareil
into a period of rapid growth. Nonpareil acquired a
company by the name of Idaho Potato Starch. This acquisition
provided the opportunity to enter the dehydrated potato
processing industry. Idaho Potato Starch operated potato
flake, flour, and starch plants in Blackfoot and Monte
Vista, Colorado. At that time, with total vertical integration,
Nonpareil began to rapidly expand all phases of its
operation.
By 1977,
plans were underway for construction of a major new
production facility to manufacture dehydrated potato
pieces. Once again this move triggered more expansion
in the other plants and facilities.
The 1990s
brought about change in the form of added production
lines in all factories, added technology in the form
of electronic sorting and packaging systems, modern
climate-controlled storage, and efficient process controls
throughout the operations. Also during this period
,
Nonpareil sold the New York and Colorado plants to better
concentrate and expand its Idaho industries.
In 1991,
Nonpareil made a major commitment towards a new product
and process research and development program. Some of
the most recognized and respected professionals in this
field are part of the Nonpareil team. This move has
placed Nonpareil in front of the industry in terms of
technological innovation.
In July 1995,
Nonpareil opened its new corporate offices and technical
center. This administration building houses product
development, a microbiology laboratory, information
systems, accounting and finance, and executive management.
In December
of 1997, Nonpareil opened an ultra-modern potato packing
and processing facility in O’Neill, Nebraska.
Nonpareil
has shaped all of the components into a dynamic business
which is the largest shipper of fresh potatoes, the
largest manufacturer of dehydrated potato pieces, and
one of the most modern producers of potato flakes and
flour in the industry.
Today, Nonpareil
employs more than 700 people. These top people combined
with our enhanced technology, modern and innovative
production plants, continuous factory expansion, and
conservative financial structure will lead us into a
solid and successful future.
