News on Chips and Snacks

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.

Orion will use freshly harvested domestic potatoes from key growing regions across South Korea to produce Pocachip and Swingchip. The company plans to process around 15K tons of potatoes this year and expand Pocachip production capacity by up to 50%.

Goodrich Cereals says the future of potato processing will be shaped by reliable sourcing, consistent quality, supply security, and specialized products. The company serves nearly 50 countries with potato ingredients and packaging options.

Hungritos participated in Seoul Food & Hotel 2026 in South Korea, where it debuted its Waffle Fries made from Dutch potatoes. The event enabled the company to engage with buyers, importers and foodservice professionals from international markets.

Insort will preview Sherlock Belt Compact at SNACKEX 2026. The new sorting platform uses in-flight inspection, 4K RGB imaging and AI-powered deep learning to improve defect detection, reduce yield loss and increase sorting efficiency.

Hungritos will showcase its customizable dehydrated potato flakes and potato powder at SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon. The company aims to connect with snack manufacturers, food processors and buyers seeking potato-based ingredient solutions.

ELEA Technology GmbH has secured European Patent EP 3 641 559 B1 for a Pulsed Electric Field process that enables flavors, spices, and additives to penetrate food products before frying or drying, improving flavor consistency and product quality.

As processors increasingly work with potatoes sourced from more challenging growing conditions, FAM STUMABO has introduced StoneExtractor to improve stone evacuation within the cutting head and reduce the operational impact of embedded stones.

A survey by Lamb Weston reveals Brits are embracing global flavours at home, with younger generations leading the trend by adding chilli oils, spices and international-inspired twists to everyday meals and chips.

PepsiCo plans to invest up to Rs 5,700 crore (USD 665 million) in India by 2030, mainly to expand the manufacturing capacity of its foods business. The investment will focus primarily on three manufacturing facilities located in Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Tamil Nadu.

On the occasion of Snackex, taking place on June 17–18 in Lisbon, Limagrain Ingredients is showcasing blue masa flour, a naturally distinctive ingredient designed to support snack manufacturers in addressing key challenges around innovation, naturalness and product performance.

At SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon, Euroma will showcase 'Flavour without compromise,' highlighting bold seasoning trends, salt and sugar reduction solutions, and tailored flavour innovations for the savoury snacks industry.

Pringles continues expanding its potato chip lineup with a wide range of savory, spicy, salty and seasonal flavors designed to appeal to snack fans across different tastes and occasions worldwide.

Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee will temporarily switch selected potato chip packaging to grayscale due to supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Residents in Woodstock, New Brunswick, are seeking legal action over noise, odour and traffic concerns related to the Covered Bridge Potato Chips production facility.

Utz Brands reported Q1 2026 net sales growth of 2.6% to USD 361.3 million, while branded salty snacks sales rose 5.2%. The company improved margins and cash flow performance and reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

Utz Quality Foods, LLC is recalling limited Zapp’s and Dirty chips after a seasoning ingredient may contain Salmonella. No illnesses reported. Consumers should not eat affected products and can request refunds.

General Mills agreed to sell its Brazil business to 3corações, including brands Yoki and Kitano. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending approvals.