News on Food Trends

Surrey’s Ugly Potato Day set a Guinness World Record by donating 246,528 kg of fruits and vegetables in 24 hours. The event attracted 30,000 people and brought together 25 farms to reduce food waste and support local communities.

Janine Luten, Director of the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO), says innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to keeping the Netherlands a global leader in potatoes while tackling labour, sustainability and regulatory challenges.

Mousline faced a difficult 2025 with lower sales, crop problems, and lost contracts. The French brand is investing €14 million (USD 16.2 million), expanding exports, innovating products, and launching plant-based spreads to drive recovery.

MoistTech will present the IR-3000 NIR moisture sensor at PACK EXPO International 2026. The system enables real-time moisture control, helping food and corrugated manufacturers improve quality, reduce waste, and save energy.

Lam Dong, Viet Nam, approved the export of 27,952 potato seeds from 23 breeding lines to India for research. The shipment by the Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center supports breeding, variety testing, and potato innovation.

Unilever expects no major job losses in the Netherlands after selling its food division to McCormick. The new company will retain a strong Dutch presence, including Rotterdam headquarters and Wageningen research center, supporting around 1,000 jobs.

Global warming is accelerating, threatening potato production through heat, drought, pests, and storage challenges. Climate-smart farming, resilient varieties, and improved irrigation are essential to protect future yields and quality.

Washington potato exports have dropped about 10% as China expands production and exports across Pacific Rim markets. Industry leaders say China's lower costs and investment in potato research are increasing pressure on U.S. growers.

Researchers in Prince Edward Island are testing cattle grazing before potato planting to improve soil health, reduce costs and support sustainable farming. Early results show no yield loss or higher emissions as researchers study long-term benefits.

Condiciones climáticas desfavorables para la oferta condicionan el precio de la papa en los mercados que se dispara más de un 50% en apenas una semana.

Siddhivinayak Agri Processing (SV AGRI) has launched its Starch Recovery Unit (SRU) for potato processors. The system recovers valuable potato starch removes up to 95% TSS reduces ETP load and lowers fresh water consumption by 30% to 40%.

North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Rootsii are developing a first-of-its-kind sweetpotato milk from surplus crops. Backed by USD 1.82 million funding, the sustainable dairy alternative aims to reduce waste and create new markets for growers.

The Potato Project will open its first flagship outlet in Mumbai on 31 July, introducing a gourmet potato-focused QSR concept. Built around white potato, purple potato and yam, the brand plans to expand across India and into international markets.

Intersnack’s proposed partnership with Utz could influence the potato-chip sector, but no changes to potato sourcing, supplier contracts or processing capacity have been announced. Utz’s manufacturing plans disclosed before the deal remain unchanged.

Productores de papa en Quilmaná (Perú) destruyeron unas 100 hectáreas de cultivo tras un brote de plaga favorecido por las altas temperaturas asociadas a El Niño. Estiman pérdidas de 2 millones de soles y piden apoyo del Gobierno.

Intersnack Group has agreed to acquire Utz Brands in a deal valued at about USD 2.9 billion. The acquisition will give Intersnack its first major presence in the US snack market, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Four United States chefs ranked Arby's curly fries as the best fast-food fries, citing their crispy texture, seasoning and consistency. McDonald's and Rally's/Checkers finished second, while the chefs also shared their favourite dipping sauces.

Lamb Weston reported higher fiscal 2026 net sales driven by volume growth in North America, while profit declined amid pricing pressure and higher costs. The company highlighted cost savings initiatives and issued financial guidance for fiscal 2027.