Idaho Potato Commission

After nearly 17 years with the Idaho Potato Commission and over 50 years in the food industry, Armand Lobato has retired.

Lobato began his career in 1974 as a courtesy clerk in Denver, CO. From those early days, he steadily advanced through retail and foodservice before joining the IPC as foodservice promotions director, West.

Along the way, Lobato earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and wrote for agribusiness publications for nearly 20 years.

Lobato looks forward to spending more time with his wife Michelle, their two grown children and three grandsons. He also plans to continue writing and hopes to teach journalism or creative writing in the near future.

“It’s been a remarkable ride, one I recommend highly,” says Lobato. “It is my hope that someday, someone will open a carton of fresh Idaho potatoes and say, ‘You know, I had a good friend that worked there, years ago.’”