News on Food Trends from Washington

May 11, 2017

Washington Potato Producers To Vote On Marketing Order

Washington potato producers will vote from June 9–23, 2017, on whether to continue the federal marketing order regulating the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington.

December 20, 2016

The future of the grocery store: Amazon Go?

Earlier this month Amazon introduced its new grocery store concept Amazon Go. Amazon Go is a new kind of store with no checkout required.

J.R. Simplot to court to seek control of troubled affiliates

December 12, 2016

J.R. Simplot turns to court to seek control of troubled affiliates

Agribusiness giant J. R. Simplot is seeking receivership over two of its vegetable suppliers, claiming mismanagement of the $400-million-grossing companies threatens 2,000 jobs and could end in bankruptcy without court intervention.

December 03, 2016

Seven US Lamb Weston Facilities Receive ENERGY STAR Certification

Seven of Lamb Weston's thirteen processing facilities in the United States achieved ENERGY STAR® certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

McDonald's accepts additional potato varieties for its fries

November 29, 2016

McDonald's accepts two new potato varieties for its fries: Blazer Russet and Clearwater Russet

In September, McDonald's approved two relatively new potato varieties for the production of their french Fries. They only allow seven varieties now, four of which were developed by the Tri-State Program

August 23, 2016

Lay's surprises Seattle with Brazilian Carnival to bring the Brazilian Picanha flavor to life

As part of the Lay's 'Passport to Flavor' program, onlookers at the Amazon Treasure Truck in Occidental Square in Seattle, Washington were surprised by an over-the-top cultural experience.

August 22, 2016

A closer look at Lamb Weston's new Innovation Center

Earlier this year, Lamb Weston's opened its new Innovation Center in Richland, with co-creation spaces, fully functioning kitchens and a pilot line. The interior was designed by Lamb Westons design agency, Williams Murray Hamm brand agency (WMH), also responsible for Lamb Weston's new global branding

June 20, 2016

Washington Potato Company fined $213,160 for repeating workplace safety violations

Repeated serious safety violations have resulted in a serious workplace injury and in a large fine for the Washington Potato Company, a potato processing company in Warden, Washington.

September 23, 2015

VERYX™ an All-New Digital Sorting Platform by Key Technology

Key Technology introduces an all-new digital sorting platform: VERYX™

February 25, 2015

Tentative agreement US West Coast Ports - but effects may last

Columbia Basin potato processors slowed down during the West Coast port impasse, making fewer potatoes into french fries, hash browns and other potato products shipped around the world.

January 05, 2015

Washington-Oregon Potato Conference: a regionally popular, prominent event

Once again, the Washington State Potato Commission and Oregon Potato Commission have joined forces in the planning and execution of the 2015 Washington/Oregon Potato Conference, Jan. 27-29.

August 03, 2014

Simplot outlines Innate marketing strategy

The J.R. Simplot Co. expects USDA approval for its genetically modified Innate potatoes within the next two months. Simplot Plant Sciences Director of Commercialization Kerwin Bradley outlined the strategy for marketing the potatoes at the Potato Association of America meeting in Spokane.

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds, providing a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

July 30, 2014

Key Technology Introduces Sanitary Rotary Finish on Vibratory Conveyors

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds, providing a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

Chris Voigt, well know form his 20-potatoes-a-day diet

July 20, 2014

Washington potato director denies wrongdoing in republican primary

Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, Moses Lake, is the focal point of a Republican primary election controversy involving the race between Clint Didier and his opponent Dan Newhouse.

Nelson Cox (left) / Jared Balcom (right)

June 25, 2014

Washington State Potato Commission Elects New Leadership

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has elected its new Executive Committee. Nelson Cox was named chair of the commission

February 21, 2014

Olympia Potato Day Event Educates and Celebrates the Washington State Potato

Potato growers from throughout Washington state visited the state’s capital this week as part of the annual Potato Day event held in Olympia, Washington

Win 10.000 bags of potato chips on potato chips day!

February 14, 2014

Win 10.000 bags of potato chips on potato chip day!

In honor of National Potato Chip Day (March 14) the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is giving away 10,001 bags of potato chips to one of their Facebook fans.

Washington & Colorado Food Banks Win Big With Super Bowl Bet

February 06, 2014

Washington and Colorado Food Banks Win Big With Super Bowl Bet

The Washington State Potato Commission and the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) made sure that food banks in their respective states are the true winners of this year’s Super Bowl.