Plant Grow Harvest's David Yeager Discusses Portfolio Innovation, Vertical Integration, and More

COCHISE, AZ - Plant Grow Harvest (PGH) is rethinking how potatoes show up in the produce department, bringing new fuel to the category. With a vertically integrated operation that gives the company full control over the entire process—from proprietary seed development and growing through packing and shipping—the company is using its expertise to cater to a variety of rising consumer demands.

“Because we’re connected to each stage of the process, we’re able to approach innovation much more holistically,” explains David Yeager, Chief Sales Officer. “Rather than looking at innovation solely through the lens of packaging or marketing, we can start with the potato itself and consider everything from variety, flavor, size, and growing characteristics to packaging, merchandising, and the overall consumer experience.”

For the company’s retail and foodservice partners, this translates into greater flexibility and more opportunities to build programs around their specific needs. Whether it’s a particular variety, size profile, pack style, or program, PGH has the ability to work across its breeding, growing, operations, and sales teams to bring its partners’ ideas to fruition.

The company’s multi-region growing program helps support a consistent, year-round supply, while cutting-edge facilities and visibility across the supply chain allow it to respond quickly as market conditions and customer needs evolve.

“That level of integration also allows us to move ideas forward more efficiently,” David notes. “We can identify opportunities in the market, collaborate across our seed, growing, operations, sales and marketing teams, and develop solutions that make sense for both our customers and consumers. Ultimately, it gives us greater flexibility to respond to evolving needs and bring new ideas to market.”

Through its continuous innovation, Plant Grow Harvest is committed to finding new ways to make the potato category more relevant and engaging for today’s consumer. Already an incredibly versatile staple in the produce department, the supplier sees significant opportunity to rethink how potatoes are positioned, packaged, and brought to life at retail.

“Our innovation strategy is centered around the things that matter most to today’s shoppers, including flavor, convenience, sizing, and variety,” David shares. “We’ve continued to expand the Digs portfolio with offerings like Tiny Digs and our 3 lb Tasty Little Digs, creating new ways for consumers to shop, prepare, and enjoy potatoes. And we’re continuing to explore additional innovations that build on that same consumer-first approach. Our goal is to bring fresh energy to the category with products that are easy for retailers to merchandise and exciting for consumers to discover.”

Tiny Digs are a 1 lb package of small, bite-size potatoes that offer convenience, quick preparation, and versatility. Their small size makes them approachable for everything from weeknight meals to entertaining, while the package creates a differentiated option within the potato set.

Complementing the Tiny Digs, the brand’s 3 lb Tasty Little Digs offer an accessible everyday format for shoppers looking for versatile mini potatoes in a larger pack size. Together, the two offerings give retailers more flexibility within the set and are part of a broader Digs lineup that gives consumers a range of sizes, varieties, and formats to choose from.

“For retailers, the opportunity is in bringing the full Digs lineup together at shelf,” David adds. “Maintaining a consistent Digs identity across the portfolio creates continuity at retail, helps consumers recognize and navigate the different offerings, and gives retailers a cohesive lineup across multiple potato varieties, sizes, and pack formats.”

Plant Grow Harvest is currently moving into its fresh Arizona crop, which is an important part of the producer’s multi-region growing program and year-round supply strategy.

“There’s a lot more ahead for PGH and Digs, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum with our customers and bringing new ideas to the category,” David concludes.

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