Potato News from Northern America

J.R. Simplot has expanded its Beef Tallow Fries & Formed range with new Beef Tallow Tater Gems. Par-fried in real beef tallow, the foodservice-exclusive product delivers rich flavor, deeper umami, and flexible preparation by baking or frying.

Idahoan Foods has improved conveyor reliability at its Idaho Falls potato processing facility by installing Intralox Series 10000 belting beneath its even-flow bins, eliminating belt slippage, reducing maintenance and helping prevent costly downtime.

Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo's Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips have won a 2026 Good Housekeeping Snack Award. The recognition is the brand's second award this quarter, following a People Food Award for its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

Ohalo and Allied Potato form a strategic partnership to advance Boosted potato breeding, combining Ohalo Boosted Breeding platform with Allied Potato expertise to develop higher-yield disease-resistant potatoes and explore potato seed systems.

Agristo has extended construction of its frozen potato processing plant in Grand Forks by one year, with production now scheduled for fall 2029. Construction and hiring continue as the facility prepares to process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually.

Introducing Foodera Technologies, the new global group uniting Tummers Group, Van der Giessen Industrie, Kiremko, Idaho Steel and REYCO Systems. The group combines technologies and expertise to help food processors prepare for future challenges.

McCain Foods has released its inaugural McCain Spud Report, providing a global snapshot of how consumers interact with fries and potato products in different markets.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

Organizaciones agrícolas de Estados Unidos, Canadá y México pidieron renovar y fortalecer el USMCA/T-MEC antes de su revisión de 2026, destacando su papel clave en la seguridad alimentaria, la integración comercial, la competitividad regional y la estabilidad económica de América del Norte.

The Little Potato Company has launched its new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit across the U.S. and Canada. Featuring pre-washed Little Potatoes and ranch seasoning, the kit delivers a family-friendly side dish in just five minutes.

Europatat's 2025–2026 Activity Report highlights work on NGT regulation, plant health, food safety, seed potato trade, sustainability initiatives and Horizon Europe research projects, while concluding its six-year potato promotion campaign.

Idahoan Foods will permanently close its Rupert, Idaho, potato processing plant by the end of June 2026, affecting 61 employees. The company says it will support workers through the transition while continuing operations at its other facilities.

Optimum Sorting has opened a larger facility and demo center in Sacramento, California, following record growth in 2025. The new site enables customer testing of sorting technologies and strengthens the company's support across North America.

Intralox is promoting its Series 1750 (S1750) modular plastic belting as an alternative to conventional rodded chains used in potato processing washers and destoners/rock traps.

Lamb Weston’s FY2025 Sustainability Report highlights progress toward its 2033 goals, including a 15% reduction in injury rates, USD 830K+ in community donations, 6% lower freshwater use, 85% sustainable packaging, and 98% waste diversion.

Lamb Weston has appointed Ashley H. as Vice President of Global Agriculture. With over 20 years at the company, she will lead global agriculture strategy and operations, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality potatoes worldwide.

Ahead of International Potato Day on May 30, McCain Foods released the inaugural McCain Spud Report, a global consumer study exploring how people enjoy fries and potatoes in their everyday lives.