News on Food Trends

Gulfood 2026 made history across two Dubai mega venues, hosting 300,000 visitors and 8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries. Over 3,500 buyer meetings generated AED 168 billion in deals, reinforcing its status as world’s leading food trade platform.

Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya will debut in Nairobi on 4–6 May 2027, positioning Kenya as Africa’s gateway to the USD 567B food economy. Backed by Kenya–UAE CEPA, it will drive trade, investment, agrifood innovation, and global market access across Africa.

Around 500 guests from 15 countries attended the 20th International Berlin Potato Evening hosted by DKHV at TITANIC Chaussee Berlin, uniting heads from the potato value chain, science, politics to discuss market challenges and policy fair rules.

Hungritos successfully concluded its participation at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s most influential food and beverage trade exhibitions, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

Weather agencies and climate scientists have pointed to the possibility of an El Niño forming in the Pacific Ocean later this year – a phenomenon that could push global temperatures to all-time record highs in 2027.

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.

Michigan State University Extension will host a free six-session 2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar Series in February. The virtual program will share practical strategies to improve soil health, water quality and farm resilience.

McCain Foods, the UK largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, has announced plans to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, home of McCain GB headquarters for more than 50 years.

The UK has officially eradicated the Colorado Beetle following two years of intensive surveillance and biosecurity activity. The pest was detected in Kent in July 2023, with one further finding later that year.

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.

McCain Foods has released its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, sharing progress toward its sustainability commitments with the completion of a key pledge made in 2021, and outlines refreshed sustainability targets to 2030.

Lamb Weston fries range has been named Product of the Year 2026 in the UK Chips category, recognising its full Fries range launched in 2024, which brings restaurant-quality chips from professional kitchens into UK homes.

Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry.

The European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) published its latest Facts and Figures for 2025, underlining the scale, economic impact and global trade reach of Europe’s potato processing industry.

The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has announced updates to its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including the election of new leadership and the retirement of several long-serving directors. 

En la Unión Europea, la caída de precios de las patatas fritas a fines de 2025 impulsó la demanda y las exportaciones en países como Bélgica, Países Bajos y Alemania. Fuera de Europa, la competencia de China e India y la baja de compras en varios mercados sigue limitando el crecimiento.

The European Snacks Association (ESA) has released its annual report outlining the association’s advocacy work, policy engagement, working group activities and key events during the year.