Potato News from the Americas

Boulder Canyon and Grillo’s Pickles reunite to launch new Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Chips, blending bold dill, garlic, and vinegar flavors with avocado-oil-cooked wavy chips. The gluten-free, non-GMO snack debuts nationwide at Sprouts this November.

Frito-Lay to close its Orlando plant on May 9, 2026, affecting 500 jobs. The facility, open since 1965, will see production & distribution shift to larger PepsiCo sites, boosting efficiency but changing regional logistics.

EarthFresh launches Canada’s first-ever Butter Potatoes—Butter Golds, Reds, and Russets—offering naturally creamy, buttery flavor with no added butter needed. Available nationwide in sustainable packs, they redefine taste, texture, and versatility.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

Just ten years ago, 66% of the potato chips consumed in Latin America were imported from Europe; the remaining 34% came from local factories. Today, the ratio has reversed: 66% are produced in the region and only a third arrive from overseas.

A new potato variety, CIP-Asiryq, developed by the International Potato Center and Indigenous farmers in Peru, resists late blight, cuts fungicide use, cooks faster, and boosts farmer income, offering a climate-resilient solution worldwide.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest potato industry event, heads to Dallas Jan. 6–8. Featuring 180 exhibitors, 30+ sessions, and major networking, it unites the global potato supply chain to drive innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

Plant Grow Harvest has announced the expansion of its potato portfolio and year-round fresh supply through the launch of two dynamic consumer brands and advancements in its proprietary seed breeding program.

Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.

As harvest begins across the country, it’s go time for growers, agronomists, and farm managers—an ideal moment to showcase the versatility of the Soiltech Beacon, often called the Swiss Army Knife of ag sensors, shining brightest during harvest.

APH Group, a global dealer organization for agricultural machinery and installations, has opened a sales and service office in Grafton, North Dakota, expanding its presence into the Red River Valley region.

Uno de los principales productores del país transformó zonas áridas del valle del río Negro en polos paperos irrigados, concentrando allí la mitad de sus 3.000 hectáreas y abasteciendo todo el año a la industria nacional.

La gigante canadiense incorporará una nueva linea de producción para abastecer al mercado que, se preve, se convertirá en el tercero en consumo a nivel mundial.

PepsiCo has introduced a new logo and corporate look that reflects its global vision and evolving brand identity.

Lethbridge researchers study how heat waves and hail affect potato crops. Dr. Neilson finds timing is key, with storms during tuber growth reducing quality. His work aims to create tools to help farmers assess risks and boost crop resilience.

Calantha, a new RNA-based sprayable pesticide, effectively kills Colorado potato beetles while sparing beneficial insects. Most effective on small larvae, it offers a sustainable, targeted solution to combat resistant crop pests.

In recent years, the global potato industry has entered a phase of rapid consolidation. Mergers, acquisitions, and geographic expansions are redefining who produces, who decides, and who supplies.

The National Potato Council is disappointed that the United States - Japan agreement did not include fresh market access for United States potatoes. Japan has delayed this market access request from the United States for thirty years, including delays as recently as this month.