News on Food Trends

Potato starch is expanding beyond food as demand grows for clean-label ingredients and sustainable materials. New applications in pharmaceuticals, paper, textiles, adhesives, and biodegradable packaging are creating global market opportunities.

Dutch growers and the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO) support the Outline Crop Protection Covenant to reduce environmental impacts, improve water quality and boost innovation while promoting legal certainty and sustainable potato production.

McCain Foods launches a Ceres AI-supported grower pilot program to improve field visibility and decision-making. The AI solution helps potato growers optimize scouting, coordination, and in-season crop management.

Lamb Weston will showcase Snap Fries, Frenzy Fries and Original Mash Cup at WOFEX 2026 in Manila, highlighting potato innovations designed to help airlines and foodservice operators improve efficiency, flexibility and menu differentiation.

Se trata de un evento esponsorizado por las principales marcas del rubro y la participación de los principales actores del sector en la capital nacional de la papa.

A taste test of six frozen sweet potato fry brands ranked Alexia as the best overall for flavor and texture, Ore-Ida as the crispiest, and Sprouts as the top honorable mention, highlighting top picks for burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Belgian AI technology company Polysense has raised USD 10.7 million to expand its AI-powered quality control and process optimisation solutions, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, improve yield, and automate real-time production decisions.

Advanced post-harvest technologies are helping cut food waste, reduce carbon emissions, improve storage efficiency, and strengthen sustainable food supply chains through AI, IoT, precision sorting, renewable energy, and smart cold storage solutions.

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

SAI Platform launched its Regenerating Together Programme during the 2026 Annual Event, bringing together industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture through practical implementation, collaboration and resilient production systems.

Agristo has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) as a Processor Member, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable potato production. The move supports industry collaboration as Agristo expands its first U.S. processing facility.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota developed a drone- and AI-based system to predict potato yields before harvest. Using drone imagery, machine learning, and growth modeling, it enables accurate, non-destructive yield forecasting.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

Global potato processing is shifting toward efficiency as Asia expands capacity while Europe invests in automation and energy-saving technologies. Heat and drought are increasing crop variability, influencing starch markets and supply strategies.

Pringles launched limited-edition Pop Dog Buns, potato-based hot dog buns inspired by Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ and Honey Mustard crisps. The buns will be offered free with a Pringles Three-Pack on July 8 and July 15, while supplies last.

Around 70 Dutch seed potato growers watched an autonomous robot identify virus-infected plants during a field demonstration. The robot marks infected plants for easier manual removal, while automated removal is being explored for future versions.

Jesse & Ben’s raised USD 10 million in Series A funding led by Greycroft to expand retail distribution, strengthen its supply chain, and grow its team. The seed-oil-free French fry brand will also launch new sweet potato and crinkle-cut varieties.

McCain Foods has on boarded 69% of its potato acreage to its regenerative agriculture framework. Through grower partnerships, COVALO, Routes to Regen and OP2B, the company aims to transition 100% of its potato acreage to regenerative farming by 2030.