Upcycled Uglies Kettle Chips Rescues Over 11,300 Tons of ‘Ugly’ Potatoes
Since its launch in 2017, Uglies Kettle Chips has rescued approximately 11,300 tons (25m pounds) of ‘ugly potatoes,’ which have been used to create the brand’s recycled Uglies Kettle Chips. The 25th million pound was rescued at Long Farms in Coudersport, PA.
Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips Inc.’s Uglies subsidiary uses defective potatoes – which would otherwise be food waste – to make tasty kettle-cooked potato chips as part of its commitment to eliminate hunger, reduce waste, and support farmers. Uglies is a component of the answer to lessen the 26% of produce that is thrown away in the U.S. for personal appearance. Additionally, 10% of Uglies’ revenues are donated to VivaKids, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit committed to ending world hunger.
“It’s exciting to be an upcycle-certified brand with a mission-driven purpose at its core to reduce food waste while also helping farmers and fighting hunger. Twenty-five million pounds of ‘ugly potatoes’ have now been put to beautiful use – making delicious kettle chips while helping farmers make ends meet. Every day we are turning something ugly into something beautiful, creating an all-around win for farmers, the community at large, and our company,” Dwight Zimmerman, VP of Sales and Marketing, mentioned.
The brand is urging Natural Products Expo West participants to ‘get ugly’ as it celebrates this significant milestone. The Uglies mascot will pose for pictures with amusing ‘ugly’ accessories throughout the exhibition hours at the top of the hour for thirty minutes. Uglies will have a booth in the North Hall (Booth #N232) and a sample station in the pre-function area beside the South Palm Court (S27).
Uglies will also celebrate Earth Month in April in partnership with Salt & Straw Ice Cream and its Upcycled Food Series which runs April 5 to May 2. Salt & Straw will offer a limited-edition flavor of Chocolate Caramel Potato Chip Banana Bread which includes Uglies Kettle Chips and Urban Gleaners Upcycled Bananas. The flavor will be available at all 40 of its scoop shops nationwide and online.
Uglies Kettle Chips are Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association, which reports that sales of upcycled snacks are up in overall USD sales by more than 500% since 2021. Leading that trend, Uglies Kettle Chips are up over 600% in the past three years, and growing about 20 times faster than the Shelf Stable Potato Chips Sub-Category since 2022.
