News On French Fries and Potato Specialties

McCain Foods India has appointed Aditya Krishna as Managing Director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead growth, strengthen grower partnerships and continue developing French Fries potato varieties suited to Indian conditions.

Simplot and Tasmanian potato growers remain at odds over prices and supply terms, with growers also concerned about contract cuts and a planned 30,000-tonne reduction in potato volumes through the Ulverstone processing plant.

Marieke Hoste, VAVI's new director, will make her first Potato Demo Day visit, highlighting collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. She says the Dutch potato sector can tackle policy, sustainability and market challenges together.

Optimum Sorting's laser technology detects hidden defects, foreign materials, wet centers, soft rot and solanine in potatoes, fries and chips, delivering high-precision sorting with 0.3 mm resolution and up to 3,333 scans per second.

India’s potato industry needs a stronger seed ecosystem to close its productivity gap. Scientific seed multiplication, digital agronomy and market-aligned varieties can improve yields, reduce risks and build a profitable supply chain.

The 27th China Potato Congress in Hebei unites global potato leaders. Sensitar showcases intelligent processing solutions, boosting efficiency, sustainability and high-value growth across the potato industry.

La Asociación Latinoamericana de la Papa (ALAP) define su agenda para el próximo congreso, a celebrarse el año que viene en Montevideo, Uruguay.

HyFun Foods and Maersk have inaugurated one of India's largest cold storage facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat. The 260,000 sq. ft. facility with capacity for 14,700 pallet positions strengthens HyFun Foods' cold chain and frozen potato logistics.

Global warming is accelerating, threatening potato production through heat, drought, pests, and storage challenges. Climate-smart farming, resilient varieties, and improved irrigation are essential to protect future yields and quality.

Siddhivinayak Agri Processing (SV AGRI) has launched its Starch Recovery Unit (SRU) for potato processors. The system recovers valuable potato starch removes up to 95% TSS reduces ETP load and lowers fresh water consumption by 30% to 40%.

Four United States chefs ranked Arby's curly fries as the best fast-food fries, citing their crispy texture, seasoning and consistency. McDonald's and Rally's/Checkers finished second, while the chefs also shared their favourite dipping sauces.

Lamb Weston reported higher fiscal 2026 net sales driven by volume growth in North America, while profit declined amid pricing pressure and higher costs. The company highlighted cost savings initiatives and issued financial guidance for fiscal 2027.

Aviko has installed a fully electric e-boiler at its Lomm factory in the Netherlands. Powered by renewable electricity, it will replace part of the site's natural gas-based steam generation and cut CO₂ emissions by at least 4,800 tonnes a year.

Ukraine has begun building its largest potato processing plant in Cherkasy. The first phase, due by late 2026 or early 2027, will produce 25,000 tonnes of potato flour annually, replacing imports, with future expansion into French fries and exports.

With 100 days to go until the 13th World Potato Congress in Kenya, organizers announced new speakers, reopened late poster abstract submissions, and highlighted key program updates, field demonstrations, partnerships, and networking opportunities.

APEDA facilitated Uttarakhand's first frozen French fries export, shipping a 24-tonne consignment from Kashipur to Iraq. The milestone expands value-added potato exports and supports better market access, logistics, and future export growth in India.

Lamb Weston will showcase Snap Fries, Frenzy Fries and Original Mash Cup at WOFEX 2026 in Manila, highlighting potato innovations designed to help airlines and foodservice operators improve efficiency, flexibility and menu differentiation.

A taste test of six frozen sweet potato fry brands ranked Alexia as the best overall for flavor and texture, Ore-Ida as the crispiest, and Sprouts as the top honorable mention, highlighting top picks for burgers, sandwiches, and more.