Potato News from the United States

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.

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.

Lamb Weston, one of the world’s largest suppliers of frozen potato products, has introduced refreshed packaging and updated branding for its Grown in Idaho retail potato products.

The National Potato Council (NPC) has filed formal comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging action against China’s rapidly growing frozen French fry export capacity.

Grimmway Produce Group launches a unified corporate website, bringing its brands under one platform. The site highlights products, careers, and impact, marking a new phase of growth, integration, and engagement.

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.

Potatoes USA has opened nominations for new board members for the 2027 term. The board is seeking nominees to fill 55 open seats, with all terms beginning in March 2027. The Potatoes USA board is currently seeking qualified nominees to succeed outgoing members in several states.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging helps U.S food manufacturers extend shelf life, preserve freshness, and ensure quality. However, filling packages with the right gas mix is only part of the process-testing the gas inside is essential to maintain safety.

United States potato growers are facing continued pressure from rising production costs, labor expenses and oversupply in several sectors of the potato industry, according to the National Potato Council.

Chip potato movement remains slow and steady as the industry transitions from storage potatoes to new-crop potatoes.

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.

Americold’s 2025 Sustainability Report highlights a 21% emissions cut since 2021, expanded renewable energy use, USD 23 Million in efficiency upgrades, improved safety metrics, and strong facility reliability driven by data and engineering.

Urschel will return to the National Restaurant Association Show from May 16-19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, where the company will showcase a range of Urschel and KRONEN cutting and food processing solutions at Booth 2448.

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.