Potato News from the Americas

UTZ launches limited-edition Lemonade Potato Chips, blending tart citrus with savory crunch for a sweet-salty summer twist. Available now at select retailers, these bright, nostalgic chips are part of UTZ’s bold seasonal flavor lineup.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is proud to announce Hannah Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University, as the recipient of the organization's 2025-26 academic scholarship. 

Exports from Argentina and Chile to other countries in the region cement the multinational’s position as a powerhouse in supply.

Zapp’s® launches Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips, blending Cajun-style blackened seasoning with zesty ranch for a bold Louisiana taste. Available in 1.5, 2.5, and 8 oz bags nationwide and online, delivering the brand’s signature crunch and flavor.

Las medidas incluyen financiamiento con tasa subsidiada, reactivación, normalización de cartera e incentivos a la capitalización rural, por más de $3.000 millones.

KFC’s Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings return nationwide Aug 18 by popular demand. Enjoy wedges alone, sides, or in a new wings & wedges combo. Plus, get deals like USD 3.99 chicken sandwich and USD 20 fan box. Available while supplies last.

NPC invites proposals for Potato Expo 2026 sessions on innovation, tech, trends & collaboration. Formats: 20–40 min talks or panels. Submit by Sept 12; notifications by Oct 10. Topics: production, trade, tech, research, policy & more.

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.

Wisconsin red and yellow potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Adams, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers.

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its COMPASS® belt-fed optical sorter at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth W-1040.

Productores de Huánuco acordaron vender 2975 toneladas de papa variedad Capiro a Inka Crops, en un contrato que beneficiará a más de 900 familias y fortalecerá la integración de la agricultura familiar al mercado agroindustrial.

Los productores de papa, afectados por el desplome de precios, exigen al Gobierno un precio mínimo de compra similar al establecido recientemente para el arroz, además de apoyos para cubrir la brecha entre costos de producción y precios de venta.

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.

La papa es una de las hortalizas más consumidas en los platos de los argentinos y atraviesa uno de los peores momentos. Los precios actuales no cubren los costos de producción, lo que lleva a muchos a evaluar si volverán a plantar.

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.

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. 

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.

J.R. Simplot Company is undergoing restructuring, leading to layoffs in Boise and abroad. Though the scope is unclear, employees report job losses on LinkedIn. The company hasn’t filed a WARN notice and remains focused on adapting to market changes.