Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Taste of Sweden
Perfectly crispy, directly from the new potato hub Sweden’s most locally produced crisps are made by Bjäre Chips. Bang in the middle of Europe’s largest district for new potatoes, Bjäre Chips has easy access not only to tasty spuds but also the best oil and herbs right outside their doorstep. By Malin Norman | Photos: Staffan Andersson
The company was born in 2012 out of a former potato and vodka business, with the goal to make the best locally produced crisps in the country. “Sweden needs high-quality crisps!” insists CEO Göran Nordander. “Our goal is to sell tasty snacks made from the finest potatoes with the skin and starch intact, kettle fried in the best oil available, giving a delicious flavour of potatoes and added herbs.” The Bjäre peninsula is nothing short of perfect for the business. Located in Skåne, which is often described as Sweden’s food mecca, the area is the hub for new potatoes with ideal weather conditions and a long tradition of growing potatoes. In addition to its great setting, Bjäre Chips is also the proud owner of Sweden’s most modern kettle fryer for crisps. Each
batch can handle 35 kilogrammes of potatoes and 850 litres of oil, and the fryer is programmed with the ultimate time and temperature for each potato type. For its snacks, the company uses only natural and local ingredients, from potatoes and rapeseed oil to spice mixes. The range is currently available in five classic flavours: Lightly Salted, Sour Cream & Onion, Sour Cream & Dill, Cheddar and Salt & Vinegar, and will expand to include a barbeque flavour later this year due to popular consumer demand. In addition, Bjäre Chips also makes dip mixes to go with four of its crisp flavours.
Award-winning crispy treats Positive consumer feedback and awards have been pouring in from day one. For
instance, the Lightly Salted crisps were named the overall winner in an ATL taste test for its ‘explosion of flavours’. Blogger Chipskungen awarded Cheddar the best Swedish snack, and master chef Amir Kheirmand named Lightly Salted the best in test. Nordander is delighted with the company’s achievements. “We have worked very hard to develop a tasty high-quality product. Getting awards and appreciation from consumers is great!” The products are available in shops in southern Sweden, Stockholm, the Mälardalen region and Gotland. Many of Sweden’s best hotels serve Bjäre Chips, as does Braathens Regional Airlines. Moreover, visitors can devour the crisps and other treats at food fairs Passion for Food, 26-28 February in Göteborg, and Love Food in Malmö in October.
For more information, please visit: www.bjarechips.se
Issue 85 | February 2016 | 45