News On French Fries and Potato Specialties from the Americas

J.R. Simplot has expanded its Beef Tallow Fries & Formed range with new Beef Tallow Tater Gems. Par-fried in real beef tallow, the foodservice-exclusive product delivers rich flavor, deeper umami, and flexible preparation by baking or frying.

Agristo has extended construction of its frozen potato processing plant in Grand Forks by one year, with production now scheduled for fall 2029. Construction and hiring continue as the facility prepares to process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually.

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.

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.

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.

McCain consolidó en Argentina una operación líder en papas prefritas congeladas, con su planta de Balcarce como eje productivo regional, fuerte perfil exportador, integración con productores locales e inversiones en innovación y sostenibilidad agrícola.

Lamb Weston’s FY2025 Sustainability Report highlights progress toward its 2033 goals, including a 15% reduction in injury rates, USD 830K+ in community donations, 6% lower freshwater use, 85% sustainable packaging, and 98% waste diversion.

Lamb Weston has appointed Ashley H. as Vice President of Global Agriculture. With over 20 years at the company, she will lead global agriculture strategy and operations, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality potatoes worldwide.

Ahead of International Potato Day on May 30, McCain Foods released the inaugural McCain Spud Report, a global consumer study exploring how people enjoy fries and potatoes in their everyday lives.

McCain Foods released its first Spud Report, surveying 12,000 people across 11 countries. The study found fries are the world’s favourite potato dish, bringing joy, comfort and connection across cultures.

Lamb Weston, one of the world’s largest suppliers of frozen potato products, has introduced refreshed packaging and updated branding for its Grown in Idaho retail potato products.

The National Potato Council (NPC) has filed formal comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging action against China’s rapidly growing frozen French fry export capacity.

Americold’s 2025 Sustainability Report highlights a 21% emissions cut since 2021, expanded renewable energy use, USD 23 Million in efficiency upgrades, improved safety metrics, and strong facility reliability driven by data and engineering.

Groundbreaking took place for a 200,000 cwt (20M lb) potato storage site near Linton, North Dakota. Led by Troy Hansen, the project will support Jamestown processing and aims to be operational by Sept. 2026.

McCain Foods, a global leader in prepared potato and appetizer products, announced the launch of Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves, the company's latest beer-battered potato side.

The J.R. Simplot Company received the 2026 Klaus Thiessen Impact Award at the annual meeting of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation on Thursday, March 26, at the Alerus Center.

More than 30 producers and representatives from the frozen pre-fried industry took part in a field day organized by HZPC, Brometan, and Tecnoriego.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026.