Heartland Potato Chips is New Zealand’s only 100 per cent owned and operated potato chip company. What makes the company unique is the vertical integration of its operation from paddock to packet – the potatoes that make Heartland Potato Chips are grown on the family farm, Fallgate Farm, and transported 30km to the Heartland Chip factory where they’re sliced, cooked, packaged and distributed to outlets throughout New Zealand.
Who first made the decision that yours would be a 'family business', when and why?
Fallgate Farm has always been a family business and it made sense to continue that approach when we created Heartland. We were all on board with this decision and as a family we love working together.
How many members of your family work in the business and what is their relationship with each other?
Two generations work actively in the business now and a third generation – the grandkids – are starting to get involved. They are digging up potatoes for pocket money, just like founder and CEO, Raymond Bowan, did when he was growing up, which originally sparked his passion for the crop. Also working in the business is his daughter, Charlotte Bowan, as General Manager of Heartland Chips, and son, James Bowan, as Fallgate Farm Manager. Raymond’s wife, Adrienne Bowan, is co-CEO and sits on the company’s Board.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of being a family business?
One of the advantages is that we can make decisions relatively quickly, regardless of what the issues may be. There is also the great blend between family and business values that sets family business apart.
What would you say to other businesses that might be contemplating becoming a family business?
It truly is amazing to be able to work with family members, it’s also important to prioritise good and open communication and to ensure that everyone in the family is on board with each decision.
Why did you join FBA and what benefits do you get from your membership?
We first heard about FBA when we spoke at the NZ Insights Conference in September 2023 and became members shortly afterwards. What struck us at the conference was the opportunity to learn from and connect with other multi-generational family-owned businesses. Even though we may all be from different backgrounds and industries, we can all relate to what it’s like to work in a family business and can learn from each other’s approaches and experiences.
