News on Chips and Snacks from the Americas

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.

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.

PepsiCo, a leading global food and beverage company with a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, Quaker, and Doritos has reported results for first-quarter 2026.

PepsiCo has inaugurated a new Sabritas production plant in Celaya, Guanajuato, as part of an investment exceeding USD 467 million, included within a broader USD 2 billion multiyear plan for Mexico between 2025 and 2028.

Covered Bridge becomes a Proud Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays. A big step forward in the company’s comeback story.

SNAC International has announced Chesapeake Spice as the winner of the SNX 2026 Flavor Showdown, honoring its standout Poblano Chile con Carne seasoning as this year’s Flavor of the Year.

Heat and Control will showcase snack processing innovations at SNX 2026, including high-speed packaging, precise seasoning, and water recirculation tech that cuts freshwater use by up to 75%, improving efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.

Cape Cod has launched limited-edition Lemon Herb Butter potato chips for spring, featuring citrus, herbs and buttery seasoning on its signature kettle chips. The new flavor is rolling out at Walmart, Publix and Target, with strong fan buzz online.

Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies modernized Herr Foods end-of-line operations, boosting throughput 25% to 150 cpm, expanding to 20 lines and 600 SKUs, saving USD 650k+ annually, and improving safety—within the existing footprint.

SNAC International has announced the education session lineup for SNX26, highlighting the legal, regulatory, political and consumer forces shaping the snack industry in 2026 and beyond.

MoistTech Corp, the global leader in moisture measurement and control, will participate in SNX 2026, taking place March 29–31, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Savory snack food sales surged to USD 742 million during Super Bowl Week 2025, according to new Circana data commissioned by SNAC International, the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide.

SNAC International has announced the appointment of Cindy Kuester as its new President & CEO, effective February 9, 2026. Kuester brings more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, having spent many years at Snak King.

The Campbell's Company plans to close the Cape Cod potato chip plant in Hyannis, Massachusetts and shift production to other facilities as part of an efficiency drive.

Last month, PepsiCo announced leadership and structural changes to boost its 2030 growth strategy, appointing Steven Williams as global CCO and Vice Chairman, Ram Krishnan as CEO of North America, and Athina Kanioura as CEO of Latin America Foods.