Introducing a fresh addition to on-the-go, meal replacement kits, Russet Potato Exchange (RPE), Bancroft, WI, has parlayed its successful Biggins™ Singles potato product into the Biggins™ Complete Meal, which comes replete with toppings, seasonings and utensils. Biggins Singles, which have been available for more than three years, introduced consumers to the convenience of single, double-washed russet potatoes, sold in patented FlavorWrap™ wrapper, ready to heat in the microwave. 

The main component of the Complete Meal, the Biggins Single, is a 10-oz potato wrapped in a clear, polyolefin shrink film (from a proprietary supplier) that is FDA-approved and microwavable. According to Rachel Leach, RPE marketing manager, the film's clarity allows the potato to be clearly visible, and it provides an even, wrapped coating for the product. Acting as a “steamer” during microwaving, the film wrap enables the potato to cook more quickly and more uniformly, she adds, “without the labor of washing, scrubbing, repackaging or venting.”

Introduced late last July, the line comes in two varieties: Sargento® Cheddar & Hidden Valley® Original Ranch, sold in the retailers' fresh produce section, and Sour Cream & Cheddar, found in the refrigerated section. The potato kit is held in a microwavable, black, polypropylene tray. An outer paperboard sleeve is converted by Menasha Packaging (www.menasha.com) and is supplied by Harder Packaging (920/581-2000).