News on Food Trends from Canada

Global seed potato trade is entering a new biosecurity era as countries tighten phytosanitary rules, expand digital ePhyto certification, and strengthen disease testing, making certified, traceable seed essential for global market access.

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.

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.

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.

Picketa Systems, a Canadian agtech startup, raised an oversubscribed USD 2.1M round led by Tall Grass Ventures to expand its real-time crop nutrient platform (LENS) across North America, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use amid rising prices.

Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly important role on Canadian farms as the federal government launches a new national strategy aimed at accelerating AI adoption across key sectors, including agriculture.

Introducing Foodera Technologies, the new global group uniting Tummers Group, Van der Giessen Industrie, Kiremko, Idaho Steel and REYCO Systems. The group combines technologies and expertise to help food processors prepare for future challenges.

McCain Foods has released its inaugural McCain Spud Report, providing a global snapshot of how consumers interact with fries and potato products in different markets.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

Ahead of International Potato Day on May 30, McCain Foods released the inaugural McCain Spud Report, a global consumer study exploring how people enjoy fries and potatoes in their everyday lives.

Royal HZPC Group continues growing its global seed potato volume above 1.1 million tonnes during the 2025/2026 financial year, despite global potato market pressure, lower prices, weaker demand and declining margins.

AIVA launches to help Canadian farmers adopt proven agtech through real-world testing on farms nationwide. Backed by FCC, EMILI and WHIN, the network connects farmers and innovators to validate tools that boost efficiency and productivity.

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.

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

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.

Taiwan says imported processing potatoes must meet the same quarantine standards as domestic supply, with any tubers showing sprouting, rot or mold required to be removed and destroyed, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency.

Covered Bridge becomes a Proud Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays. A big step forward in the company’s comeback story.

The Little Potato Company, a leading little potato brand in North America, is helping families bring a little happiness to weeknight dinners this spring with a new seasonal campaign and consumer sweepstakes.