News on Food Trends from United Kingdom

Lamb Weston is promoting Really Crunchy Fries for UK foodservice, featuring a distinctive rough texture, 9% visible coating and long-lasting crunch, while supporting the range through chef collaborations, industry events and foodservice sampling.

Scottish researchers led by the University of Glasgow have developed a bacteriocin-based treatment to suppress potato blackleg and soft rot. Supported by IBioIC the research has led to spin-out Casdu Crop Solutions.

The 23rd EAPR Triennial Conference will bring 300+ potato experts to Edinburgh in 2027 to explore 'Sustainable Potato Production for a Changing World.' Register, submit abstracts or explore sponsorship.

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.

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.

GB Potatoes and Branston will host a low-carbon farming event in Lincolnshire on 28 July, while GB Potatoes joins Defra’s Expert Growers Group. The industry also awaits updates on UK-EU seed potato trade and the new Farming Roadmap.

UK potato farmers face rising costs, weak prices, labour shortages and climate shocks after years of disruption. Profitability is under pressure, risking sector decline. Innovation, policy support and collaboration are key to future resilience.

Lamb Weston has launched Frites Atelier in the United Kingdom, introducing the premium fries concept developed in collaboration with three Michelin star chef Sergio Herman to the UK foodservice sector.

Co-op has introduced new 'best of season' potato packs across its stores, becoming the first United Kingdom convenience retailer to adopt a seasonal variety approach designed to support British potato growers and maintain year-round domestic supply.

Lamb Weston launches Snap Fries—crispy, oven-ready, pre-portioned fries for on-the-go channels. Designed for quick prep and easy serving, they help operators tap growing 'anytime, anywhere' snacking demand across travel and retail.

Bagged Snacks is a powerhouse category for the convenience channel. Worth over GBP 5.3 billion (USD 6.6 billion) and outpacing the growth of other key impulse categories, it’s a primary driver of footfall, appearing in one in every five C&I baskets.

GB Potatoes recently discussed risk in its Cutting the odds: Managing risk in potato production webinar. It heard from GB Potatoes chair Alex Godfrey, the CEO and President of Potatoes USA, Blair Richardson and Rory Gibson.

Lamb Weston’s 19mm Triple Cooked Chunky Chips, the latest variant to be added to the Stealth range, have been awarded the "Approved Product" accolade from the Craft Guild of Chefs as they become available to foodservice.

Scientists, including experts from Met Office Hadley Centre and University of Exeter, warn the world is unprepared for climate risks. They urge a globally mandated assessment to clarify threats, guide policy, and help avoid the worst impacts.

A first-of-its-kind low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has successfully grown its first crop of highly sustainable potatoes that will land in UK stores this week, thanks to a partnership between retailer Tesco and industry leader Branston.

92% of farmers say their sustainability efforts go unrecognised, despite adopting an average of eight eco-friendly practices. While 85% would do more with financial support, low trust in government and policy confusion remain key barriers.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

McCain Foods, the UK largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, has announced plans to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, home of McCain GB headquarters for more than 50 years.