News on Food Trends

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.

To combat the decline in the number of growers and in domestic production, the government is authorizing trials with GMO varieties, a disruptive move by European standards.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

Rising El Niño risk threatens potato supply by disrupting temperature and rainfall. Heat, drought, and excess moisture cut yields and quality, strain supply chains, and raise prices, underscoring the need for climate resilient farming systems.

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.

PotatoEurope 2026 will return to Germany on September 9-10, 2026, at the Rittergut Gestorf estate near Hanover, showcasing the latest technology and innovations in potato cultivation and processing.

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

KTH researchers developed peptide CS5 targeting Phytophthora infestans, cause of potato late blight. It blocks a key enzyme, stopping infection without harming crops and offering a sustainable alternative to chemical sprays as climate change spreads.

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.

The Little Potato Company launches a dedicated Foodservice Solutions division, offering versatile Little Potatoes, sous-vide options, and bulk packs to help operators boost efficiency, cut prep time, and ensure consistent quality across menus.

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.

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.

The visit by a delegation from Qinghai University and Yunnan Agricultural University is focused on academic exchange, technological advancement, and the development of joint projects.

Anéolia, a French manufacturer of gas analysis and package leak detection instruments for the food packaging industry, will introduce its newly released Elyos instrument at interpack 2026, taking place from May 7-13 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Wyma Solutions, a global leader in post‑harvest processing and water treatment solutions for fresh produce, has announced the launch of the Micron Filter XL at Hort Connections 2026, taking place from 1–4 June at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties designed to strengthen the United States potato chip supply through improved disease resistance, storage performance and processing reliability.

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.

Hungritos showcased its frozen food portfolio at FHA Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 in Singapore, engaging with food service and distribution professionals while highlighting products such as Waffle Fries and Potacos to international visitors.