News on Food Trends from the United States

Gary and Alan Hafner have acquired majority ownership of Layton Systems, purchasing shares from Julia Rich. Building on the legacies of John Layton and Jerry Allen-Rich, the Hafners aim to drive growth while upholding the company’s values and mission.

SNAC International, the leading trade association for the snack industry, is proud to announce it will host the 2025 Industry Legal & Regulatory Forum on November 11–12, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Kraft Heinz will split into two tax-free, independent public companies: Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Goal: simplify structure, boost focus, drive growth, and unlock shareholder value. Deal expected in 2026.

TNA Solutions will showcase the tna conti-pro PEL 3 fryer and integrated systems at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, booth W‑2350, offering efficient pellet/extruded snack frying, seamless distribution, automated packaging, and less waste.

Chick-fil-A launches new menu items Aug. 18, including the Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich, Cherry Berry beverages, and Waffle Potato Chips in Original and Chick-fil-A Sauce flavors, available as a side, snack, or retail bag in select locations.

Chef Catherine McCord teams up with McCain® Foods this back-to-school season to make mealtime easier and more joyful. McCain® Smiles—crispy, fun potato sides ready in under 10 minutes—bring families together with simple recipes and shared smiles.

Mashed potatoes top America’s comfort list, but a YouGov survey for National Potato Day reveals regional and generational favorites: rural areas love potato salad, urban areas prefer gnocchi/poutine, Boomers stick to classics, Gen Z tries tacos.

Zapp’s® launches Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips, blending Cajun-style blackened seasoning with zesty ranch for a bold Louisiana taste. Available in 1.5, 2.5, and 8 oz bags nationwide and online, delivering the brand’s signature crunch and flavor.

KFC’s Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings return nationwide Aug 18 by popular demand. Enjoy wedges alone, sides, or in a new wings & wedges combo. Plus, get deals like USD 3.99 chicken sandwich and USD 20 fan box. Available while supplies last.

NPC invites proposals for Potato Expo 2026 sessions on innovation, tech, trends & collaboration. Formats: 20–40 min talks or panels. Submit by Sept 12; notifications by Oct 10. Topics: production, trade, tech, research, policy & more.

Potatoes top the charts as America's favorite veggie for the 9th year, per the 2025 Consumer Attitudes & Usage study. With 81% eating them weekly, belief in their nutrition and value as performance fuel is at an all-time high.

Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.

Lawmakers toured Aroostook County to explore Maine’s potato industry, seeing innovative tech and learning how policy affects farming. The trip aimed to boost understanding of agricultural challenges and support.

A proposed class action lawsuit claims that The Campbell’s Company has misled consumers by marketing Cape Cod potato chips as free from preservatives, given that the snacks contain the common food additive citric acid.

Simplot plans to acquire Belgium-based Clarebout Potatoes, uniting two family-owned frozen potato leaders. The move aims to boost European market presence and sustainability, with operations continuing and expanding across 23 global sites.

The Ferrero Group and WK Kellogg Co has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ferrero has agreed to acquire WK Kellogg Co, for USD 23.00 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of USD 3.1 billion.

Ahead of National French Fry Day, McCain Foods found Americans eat over 17 pounds of fries yearly—Virginia leads at 21. Crispy-outside, soft-inside is the top texture. Fry types, seasonings, and dips vary, but 63% say fries can be a main dish.

First Insight’s latest study, The Quiet Takeover of Private Label, finds that differences between private label products and national brands have blurred so much that most consumers can no longer distinguish between the two.