News on Food Trends

Iscon Balaji Foods won the Saudifood Excellence Award 2026 and unveiled its Everlasting CrispX fries at The Saudi Food Show in Jeddah, showcasing high-holding performance and its Hungritos frozen potato portfolio.

McCain Foods has announced plans to acquire Falcon Agrifriz Foods' frozen potato processing business in Gujarat, India. The acquisition will expand its manufacturing capacity and its presence in India, and support local farmers and supply chains.

Agrico's Michel de Bruin says strong potato sectors need more than quality seed, highlighting the importance of farmer knowledge, functioning markets, enabling regulations and flexible approaches tailored to local conditions.

The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid brought together 250 professionals to discuss key challenges and opportunities in production, trade, plant health, innovation and sustainability, promoting stronger European cooperation.

Iscon Balaji Foods showcased its Hungritos frozen potato portfolio at MIHAS 2026 in Malaysia, targeting stronger Southeast Asian exports through its integrated potato processing, Halal production and IQF freezing capabilities.

The Dutch Potato Organisation celebrated Potato Tuesday on October 6 at Utrecht Central Station during the Week of Our Food. Visitors can enjoy free recipe booklets and discover the people behind the Dutch potato industry.

Covered Bridge is expanding in Japan after Costco Japan ordered 12 containers of its potato chips, with eight shipped by late September 2026, following an agreement that made Japan its tenth international market.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points in September 2026, up 2.0 points (1.5 percent) from its revised August level. Price indices for crop-based commodity groups (cereals, vegetable oils, and sugar) all increased from the previous month

McCain Foods has opened its first Signature Café in India at Max Mall in Noida, featuring its potato specialities across burgers, loaded fries and other formats, with plans to explore the concept at additional locations.

AHSE Asia International Expo 2026 will bring over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from more than 30 countries and regions to Macao, China, connecting international buyers and suppliers across food, beverages, snacks, hospitality, machinery and packaging.

Polysense has opened its first US office in Chicago to serve food manufacturers across the US and Canada, expanding its AI-driven quality control and process optimization solutions for potato, bakery, and fruit and vegetable processing.

Hungritos showcased French Fries, Aloo Popcorn, Potato Mojjos, Criss-Cross Waffle Fries and other frozen snacks at Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne, strengthening partnerships and its presence in Australia's foodservice and retail markets.

Croptimal has launched the tractor-mounted Croptiscan 3000, using camera and recognition technology to detect PVY and leaf roll early in seed potato crops, providing smaller growers with an alternative to fully self-driving machines.

World Potato Congress launches the 'Growing the Future' Youth Engagement & 4K Club Program in Kenya, bringing 40 students from 10 schools together to learn potato production, compete in five categories and build a lasting agricultural legacy.

Industry forecasts indicate extreme heat and drought could cut potato production by more than 3.5 million tonnes across Great Britain and NEPG countries in 2026, with losses valued at up to EUR 818 million (USD 937.4 million).

PotatoEurope 2026 and SugarBeet Expo opened in Germany, showcasing innovations for climate-resilient root-crop production. DLG President Paetow highlighted drought, pests, global markets and the need for competitive, sustainable farming systems.

Saratoga Potato Chips recalls J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar Potato Chips in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Maryland over undeclared soy. Consumers with allergies should avoid affected packages and return them for a refund.

El Niño has reached a record 3.05°C, surpassing the 2015 high. Scientists warn the powerful event could worsen heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires and food insecurity as global temperatures continue to rise.