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The History of Basic American Foods
In 1933, brothers Jack and Bill Hume set up a modest dehydration processing plant in Vacaville, California, using a technology that was later applied to potatoes. This was the beginning of Basic American Foods.In the mid-fifties, Basic American Foods established a potato processing plant in Blackfoot, Idaho, where the first instant potato product that could be rehydrated with boiling water was developed. This led to a series of innovative potato products for the foodservice industry that includes the brands Potato Pearls®, Potato Pearls EXCEL®, and Nature's Own® Potato Pearls® Premium Mashed Potatoes, Redi-Shred®, Golden Grill®, and Golden Grill® Russet™ Premium Hashbrowns, and Classic Casserole® Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes. As the company grew, additional plants were built in Idaho and in other prime potato growing areas like Wisconsin and Washington.
In response to a customer need for laborsaving quick-prep beans, Basic American Foods introduced Santiago® Refried Beans in 1986. The technology that created this dehydrated authentic-tasting bean product is now being applied to Santiago® Black Beans and Quick-Start® Home Style Chili.
Being the innovator and leader in convenience foods, it was only natural that Basic American Foods would start exploring the refrigerated foods category. The first acquisition was Naturally Potatoes® in 2005, a refrigerated potato company located in Mars Hill, Maine producing a full line of refrigerated potatoes including white mashed, redskin mashed, shreds, sliced, diced and wedges. In 2007, Basic American Foods acquired Harry’s Fresh Foods®, a line of ready-to-eat, fresh-never-frozen gourmet foods, prepared by chefs and Kettle Cooked™ in small batches.
Today, Basic American Foods is led by Jack's sons, George and Jerry. With nearly 40 patents to its credit, Basic American Foods is an acknowledged leader in research and development, earning universal respect for innovation, quality, and customer service. The company continues to grow, staying focused on its customers, and looks to the future with confidence.