News on Food Trends from Northern America

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026. 

Mars, global leader in pet care, snacking and food and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, recently announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

The World Potato Congress will host a webinar on Dec 10, 2025, where Dr. Christine Noronha shares research showing how crop rotation reduces wireworm damage in potatoes, highlighting her innovative pest management advances and key field results.

The 58th Idaho Potato Conference will be held Jan. 21–22 in Pocatello, featuring panels, research updates, a trade show and sessions on soil-borne diseases, agronomy, storage and water issues. Registration is USD 40 before Jan. 14.

Kroeker Farms announces a CEO transition: Wayne Rempel becomes Senior Advisor after decades of leadership, and COO Harwin Bouwman is appointed CEO effective Dec 1, 2025.

The Little Potato Company, the leading little potato brand in North America, has launched its third annual 'A Little Holiday Happiness Is...' campaign bringing festive convenience and joy to families during the busy holiday season.

Alongside a roasted turkey and stuffing, a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the United States usually includes sweet potatoes glazed with butter and brown sugar and topped with toasted mini marshmallows.

Wendy’s Puerto Rico offers a unique ham-and-ranch baked potato not found in the U.S. The island’s menu also features items like Nutella Frosty and loaded fries, reflecting Wendy’s global trend of adapting creative flavors to local tastes.

Row 7 Seed Company launches its vibrant purple Starling sweet potato at East Coast Whole Foods. Developed by NC State, Starling blends creamy sweetness with rich flavor and antioxidant-packed color. It joins Row 7’s fall lineup of flavor-driven organic produce.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scientists have decoded the sweetpotato’s complex hexaploid genome, revealing its mixed ancestry and resilience traits. This breakthrough offers powerful tools for breeders to boost yield, nutrition, and climate resistance, securing food futures.

NDSU’s new yellow potato variety, ND1241-1Y, bred by Susie Thompson in the Red River Valley, offers uniform, round tubers with rich color and flavor. It chips well from field or storage and suits the region’s short season. Commercial release may come soon.

World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) will host a webinar, 'Biology and Integrated Management of Potato Common Scab,' October 20, 2025. The speaker is Amanda Gevens, PhD, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Commercial Food Sanitation (CFS) opened its first stand-alone training facility, CFS Institute North America, in New Orleans. The 13,700 sq. ft. center offers hands-on training, labs, and collaboration to advance food safety, hygiene, and efficiency.