Expert: Jim Gawley - 6/24/2002

Question
Hello!

I am thinking about starting a business (very early stage of thinking), and I have two choices available at the moment: potato production (high quality potato, around 60000 tonnes a year)and high class alcohol drinks (also high quality, and totally new brands).

Which of these two has the better market in America?  

Answer
That depends on what you are going to do with the potatoes, sell them fresh or process them. Either way the product has to be unique as it is a real commodity market. Heinz's Ore ida brand has been out with some innovative new french fry products and there is a company Alexia Foods http://www.alexiafoods.com/ that is out with some high-end fries.

The alcohol market is hot with all of the new "malternatives" being introduced. There is a lot of interest there.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Jim