Included in your FBA membership. This event is for Family Business Members and Advisor Members.
Get an inside look at Heartland Potato Chips, New Zealand's only 100 per cent owned and operated chip company, calling Timaru home for the last 16 years. Meet the Bowan family, tour their manufacturing facility, learn about their succession plans and how they are involving the third generation in the production of New Zealand's famous potato chip.
Raymond Bowan and his wife Adrienne bought Fallgate Farm in 1975 in Geraldine, where they grew potatoes and supplied local fish and chip shops. Decades later, after purchasing a factory in Timaru, they started Heartland Potato Chips using the potatoes grown on their farm 30km down the road. Currently run by the second generation, with the third starting to get involved, the family's passion for potatoes has been passed from generation to generation.
During this special event, you will be welcomed to Heartland Potato Chips manufacturing facility. Hear from Charlotte Bowan, General Manager at Heartland, and Raymond and Adrienne's eldest daughter. Go on a tour of the facility, taste-test Heartland's chips, and learn about the family's succession plan, growth strategy, and the importance of communication in keeping their legacy alive.
What to expect:
-
Facility Tour and Taste Test: Go on a tour of Heartland's manufacturing facility and enjoy a taste test of their potato chips.
-
Succession: Hear how the family has successfully transitioned to the next generation and their plans for the future.
-
Family Legacy: Learn about the family's long history and how they have continued their parents' legacy and passion for potatoes.
-
Panel Discussion: Hear the story of Fallgate Farms and Heartland Potato Chips and how they have remained New Zealand-owned and operated.
-
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow family business owners and industry peers, share experiences, and build valuable relationships that can support your business's future growth.
Meet Heartland Potato Chips
Heartland Potato Chips is a family-owned New Zealand business producing potato chips from paddock to packet, with its roots firmly in South Canterbury. Based in Timaru for the past 16 years, Heartland is New Zealand’s only 100 per cent owned and operated potato chip company. The business is built on vertical integration, with potatoes grown on the Bowan family’s Fallgate Farm near Geraldine and transported just 30 kilometres to the Heartland factory, where they are sliced, cooked, packaged and distributed throughout New Zealand, Singapore and Australia.
Founded by Raymond Bowan and his wife Adrienne, the story began in 1975, when they purchased Fallgate Farm and grew potatoes for local fish-and-chip shops. Decades later, after buying an old factory in Timaru, they turned a lifelong dream into reality by launching Heartland Potato Chips with their own potatoes. Today, the business is run by the second generation, with a strong focus on succession and involving the third generation early. Charlotte Bowan, the eldest daughter, is General Manager of Heartland Potato Chips, while son James Bowan manages Fallgate Farming. Adrienne Bowan is co-CEO and a Board member alongside Raymond, whose quiet determination and deep connection to farming continue to shape the business.
Heartland’s commitment to family values, clear communication and long-term planning remains central to its success. With more than 40 years of farming experience behind it and the next generation already getting their hands dirty, the Bowan family continues to grow a business that reflects care, hard work and pride in producing a truly New Zealand made product.
Why Come Along?
-
Gain exclusive insights into the operations of a successful family business.
-
Learn first-hand from the family behind the business about their opportunities and challenges.
-
Expand your network within the FBA community and enjoy a relaxed environment for learning, sharing, and connecting.
-
Find inspiration and practical ideas for your own business.
Event Details
This event is being held at Heartland Potato Chips Timaru manufacturing facility.
Please arrive promptly at 4:30 pm to enjoy networking, a tour of the facility, taste-testing some chips, and a presentation from general manager Charlotte.
If you have any questions, need assistance with registration, or require support on the day, please contact Nicole Pluck at Npluck@familybusiness.org.nz. Alternatively, you can reach FBA's Office by calling 0800 249 357.
