News on Food Trends

IITA, FAO & partners equip 12 African nations to detect/manage Potato Cyst Nematodes, a pest slashing yields & threatening trade, via training, diagnostics, awareness & regional cooperation to protect farmers’ livelihoods & potato production.

The University of Manitoba has named Dr. Linda Schott as the first UM Research Chair in Potato Sustainability, a key role focused on educating students and promoting innovation and sustainability in Manitoba’s growing potato industry.

McCain Foods has launched a new brand identity and vibrant packaging in Ahmedabad, where its India journey began.

McCain Foods India launched its first Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration Farm in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, on World Environment Day to promote soil health, biodiversity, and water efficiency, supporting its goal of 100% regenerative farming by 2030.

La canadiense McCain celebra 30 años en Argentina. Lidera el mercado de papas prefritas y apunta a crecer en el consumo hogareño y nuevos destinos. En el país se consumen 100.000 toneladas anuales de papas congeladas, el 80% destinadas a gastronomía.

Un análisis genómico realizado por un equipo internacional identificó este evento de hibridación natural entre especies andinas. La papa tendría su origen en el tomate.

A study reveals that potatoes originated from a hybridisation event 9 million years ago in the Andes, when tomato ancestors crossed with Etuberosum plants. This allowed potatoes to form tubers, leading to the diverse species we rely on today.

Regulations on food safety, labour scarcity, and environmental pressures are driving the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions. Waste doesn’t just affect visual quality. It disrupts automation, clogs up machines, and costs money. 

WPC President Peter VanderZaag praised Potatoes South Africa’s innovation-driven, grower-owned model during the 2025 Innovation Symposium, highlighting its research, transformation efforts, and global relevance ahead of WPC 2026 in Kenya.

Hungritos showcased its frozen potato snacks at FHI 2025 in Jakarta, drawing global interest and forging B2B ties. With strong branding, live tastings, and institutional support, the brand reinforced India’s frozen food potential on the world stage.

PACE Mechanical Handling now includes AI-powered performance monitoring as standard in its packing machines, offering free alerts for maintenance needs. This new 'Gateway' feature ensures peace of mind for fresh produce and potato packers.

A popular potato chip brand has been pulled from the shelves of Australia’s two biggest supermarket chains after being discontinued. Fans have noticed that the entire Tyrrells range has quietly disappeared from Coles and Woolworths stores.

FoodTech Forum 2025 brought together industry experts, customers, and partners for three weeks of live demos and discussions. Heat and Control® hosted sessions focused on innovative, sustainable solutions shaping the future of food processing.

El peor escenario. Cayeron los precios debido a una sobre oferta en el mercado, combinada con una simultanea baja en la demanda.

Esta herramienta permitirá optimizar el uso de fungicidas, reducir costos y minimizar el impacto ambiental al ajustar los tratamientos según el riesgo real.

PoLoPo, a B2B deeptech firm, is shifting focus to the snack industry. It's patented potato offers up to three more protein than regular tubers, enabling high-protein chips with great taste and texture for brands and food manufacturers.

McPatel Foods Pvt Ltd of Ahmedabad has sued McDonald's for issuing 'groundless threats' over its use of the prefix 'Mc'. The local firm, selling fries under ‘Ohh! Potato’, seeks to stop McDonald’s from objecting to its name in court.

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.