News on Food Trends from Africa

August 01, 2012

Global warming could benefit potato industry

Climate change could result in a positive outcome for the potato industry and possibly lead to potatoes becoming one of the top staple crops in the world

July 20, 2012

Potatoes to get brand boost in South Africa

A new brand campaign for Potatoes South Africa (PSA), the official representative of potato producers in South Africa, wishes to change South Africans into a Potato Nation that maintains balanced diets and make potatoes the everyday, fat-free heart of ...

May 02, 2012

Imports could mean it’s chips for jobs in South African potato processing industry

Imported frozen french fries are threatening the livelihood of more than 11 000 workers in the potato processing industry, says producers association Potatoes SA (PSA).

April 30, 2012

Imported French fries – a hot potato topic for the South African economy

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) has recently turned to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, as well as the Minister of Trade & Industry, in order to address the influx of frozen French fries into South Africa.

April 04, 2012

FAO helps Ugandan potato farmers make more money

Potatoes are not widely grown in Uganda but they could earn a farmer big if the right farming methods and good prices are in place. Nathan Baryahisahe, the chairman of the Muko Expanded Irish Potato Producers Association says they now have 161 members...

September 13, 2011

Floods and Frost result in potato chips shortage in South Africa

Potatoes South Africa reported that the potato industry in South Africa had lost at least 60.000 tons of potatoes this year, largely due to flooding and frost. As a result of a history of poor harvests, chip maker Simba (Pepsico/Frito-Lay) has adopted...

August 26, 2011

New potato varieties to improve livelihoods and incomes in Mozambique

“The timely availability of seed of well-adapted varieties will enhance the sustainability and economics of potato production in Mozambique,” notes CIP’s Maria Andrade, breeder and seed system specialist. Mozambique released seven new potato varieties...

July 12, 2011

Kenyan Farmers to Get Drought Resistant Potato Seeds

Plans are underway to start breeding drought resistant potato varieties to curb food shortage. Players in potato farming who were meeting at Oljoro Orok Farmers Training Centre in Nyandarua West district observed that available potato varieties are onl...

June 23, 2011

Potato price crash in Kenya slashes returns for producers

In Kenya, Potato farmers and traders are bracing for lower returns after a bumper harvest prompted a price crash, easing consumer anxiety over the rising cost of living compounded by a shortage of maize.

May 07, 2011

New Brunswick farmer detained in Lebanon arrested on international criminal warrant

A New Brunswick potato farmer who has been detained in Lebanon for more than 40 days is being improperly held on an international criminal warrant at the request of the Algerian government, according to his lawyer Rodney Gillis.

April 26, 2011

International Potato Center's work on (sweet) potato in Africa (Photo series)

The International Potato Center (CIP) operates a network of offices in 30 countries. Using this network, CIP.distributes (potato) plants to local farmers and adds new breeds to its library.

March 29, 2011

KFC opens first restaurant in Zambia

KFC opened its first unit in Zambia last week. The restaurant is located in Lusaka and the opening was marked by First Lady Thandiwe Banda.

January 17, 2011

Walmart enters Africa

A South African chain's shareholders have overwhelmingly accepted Wal-Mart's offer to buy 51 percent of their company, the chief executive said Monday, paving the way for the giant U.S.-based retailer to enter Africa.

December 07, 2010

KFC to double number of outlets in Africa by 2014

After spending two decades introducing fried chicken and pizza to Chinese consumers, Yum Brands Inc. now sees Africa as its next international jewel.

October 24, 2009

P.E.I. aims to grow seed potato market in Algeria

A delegation of people representing P.E.I.'s potato industry returned this week from a trade mission to Algeria, hopeful about re-establishing markets for their products in that African country. Greg Donald, general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board,...

October 20, 2009

South African Government rejects genetically modified potato

The South African government has rejected the Agriculture Research Council’s (ARC’s) application to provide genetically modified potatoes to local farmers, saying it was concerned about its safety and economic effect. “This is probably the mo...

October 15, 2009

South Africa planning to ban trans fats in foods

In South Africa, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has told Parliament that his department intends to introduce rules banning industrially produced trans fats in all processed and prepared foods.Giving a written reply on Thursday to a question from the...

potato trader in Kenya (source: Daily Nation)

August 03, 2009

New Plan to revive potato farming in Kenya

The Ministry of Agriculture has embarked on the revival of potato growing to boost the country’s food security. Among the key priorities are the rehabilitation of cold stores, construction and equipping tissue culture laboratories and green houses. ...

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