News on Food Trends

Potato breeders in Kenya are developing new varieties that combine disease resistance with the frying qualities needed for French fries. The work aims to improve yields, strengthen the potato value chain and deliver better fries for consumers daily.

Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo's Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips have won a 2026 Good Housekeeping Snack Award. The recognition is the brand's second award this quarter, following a People Food Award for its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

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.

Potato Demo Day 2026 has opened visitor registration for its September event in Westmaas. The programme includes more than 120 exhibitors, 25 knowledge sessions, machinery demonstrations, a Startup Plaza and activities covering the potato value chain

The 1st International Symposium of Potato will bring together more than 400 industry professionals on October 5, 2026, at IFEMA Madrid to discuss sustainable production, innovation, consumption, and the strategic role of potatoes in Europe and the global market.

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.

Gpi De Gouwe has rebranded as Gpi Process Technology, reflecting its evolution into a specialist in advanced food processing solutions. The company offers turnkey systems for fries, sauces, ready meals, chocolate, and confectionery production.

Investindustrial, comprising the Kiremko, Idaho Steel and Reyco brands, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Tummers Group and Van der Giessen, bringing together specialist companies with complementary capabilities across the potato processing value chain. 

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.

Europatat welcomes the EU’s adoption of the NGT Regulation, opening new opportunities for innovative potato varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and processing traits, while boosting breeding research and investment.

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.

Orion will use freshly harvested domestic potatoes from key growing regions across South Korea to produce Pocachip and Swingchip. The company plans to process around 15K tons of potatoes this year and expand Pocachip production capacity by up to 50%.

El futuro del campo español depende de una transformación estructural basada en relevo generacional, tecnificación, sostenibilidad, inversión productiva, formación especializada e infraestructuras que permitan convertir al agro en un sector competitivo, innovador y rentable.

McCain mantiene un desempeño destacado en Colombia pese al complejo contexto agropecuario, apoyada en su presencia global, sus alianzas con productores locales y mejoras de productividad en el cultivo de papa.

EUPPA members met in Brussels on June 9–10, 2026, to discuss food safety, agriculture, sustainability and policy developments affecting the potato processing sector. The programme also included a visit to the European Parliament.

Growing demand for healthier snacks is driving interest in protein and fiber enrichment. Emsland Group highlights ingredient and application solutions for potato-based snacks and will present its portfolio at SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon.

Aviko has started electrifying its Steenderen potato processing plant, advancing its Unlock 30 sustainability strategy. Developed with Liander, the project aims to cut emissions, reduce fossil fuel use, and support lower-carbon food production.