P.E.I. Potato Grower John Griffin Named 2016 Innovator of the Year

John Griffin of W.P. Griffin Inc. potato growers in Elmsdale, P.E.I. has been named not only one of the top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine, but also CBC Innovator of the Year.

"We definitely didn't expect this, but I really appreciate it," said John Griffin as he accepted his hardware Thursday at the awards gala in Moncton, N.B.

The magazine's website touts Griffin's business as one "that's constantly finding new ways to grow: from value-added packaging and modernized grading equipment to fresh product varieties and new retail markets."

"This year, the judges selected someone who pursues innovation across all business categories: new products, new machinery, new markets," said Chafe in an email to CBC News. "While you might be surprised at the importance of innovation to this person's very traditional business, it is very much a core piece of his business strategy. While others in their sector are shutting down, this business continues to grow and grow and grow."

The magazine also pointed out that revenue for Griffin's company has grown 34% in recent years.

Griffin credits his father and company founder Wilfred Griffin with teaching him the business, and good communication with keeping the company alive and growing.

W.P. Griffin has been a family business for almost 70 years and includes sisters Barbara and Eleanor and brother Peter.

At the beginning of this year, the company has celebrated a major expansion: the potato wash plant and packing facility in Elmsdale, P.E.I. has grown in size by more than 50%, to 38,000 square feet from 25,000.

The expansion has allowed for some reorganization within the plant to build in efficiencies, such as reducing downtime by filling larger runs prior to shifting over to other product lines.

Photo: CBC New Brunswick's Harry Forestell presents John Griffin with the 2016 Innovator of the Year award. (CBC)