Potato News from Northern America

The Washington-Oregon Potato Conference 2026 will once again unite growers, processors, suppliers, and stakeholders. Known as a premier industry event, it offers innovation, insights, and valuable networking opportunities for the potato sector.

Gary and Alan Hafner have acquired majority ownership of Layton Systems, purchasing shares from Julia Rich. Building on the legacies of John Layton and Jerry Allen-Rich, the Hafners aim to drive growth while upholding the company’s values and mission.

SNAC International, the leading trade association for the snack industry, is proud to announce it will host the 2025 Industry Legal & Regulatory Forum on November 11–12, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Cellar Insights raised an oversubscribed seed round, co-led by Tall Grass Ventures & Accelerate Fund IV, to scale its AI-powered potato storage tech, preventing spoilage and reducing crop losses across North America.

A new webpage by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission offers growers tools to identify and manage late blight, featuring pathogen details, outbreak protocols, fungicide advice and links to monitoring organizations.

P.E.I. potato farmers face major crop losses as drought grips the island. With only 10% irrigated land, yields are falling below average. Farmers like Andrew Lawless expect 30% losses, warning climate change demands urgent investment in irrigation.

Renaissance BioScience Corp. secured an Australian patent on Sept 4, 2025, for its yeast-based RNA platform, targeting the Colorado Potato Beetle with eco-friendly biopesticides. It also eyes animal and human health markets.

Kraft Heinz will split into two tax-free, independent public companies: Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Goal: simplify structure, boost focus, drive growth, and unlock shareholder value. Deal expected in 2026.

En 2025, la superficie sembrada de papa en EE. UU. cayó a su nivel más bajo en más de 70 años, con 369.000 hectáreas, aunque los altos rendimientos previstos mitigarán el impacto en la producción total.

TNA Solutions will showcase the tna conti-pro PEL 3 fryer and integrated systems at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, booth W‑2350, offering efficient pellet/extruded snack frying, seamless distribution, automated packaging, and less waste.

FPS Food Process Solutions expands its End-to-End French fry processing expertise with senior hires Dave Rogers, Mike Holden & Ronald Muller, bringing decades of global potato industry experience to enhance operations, projects & customer support.

United States retail sales of potatoes maintained strong volume over the nine months from July 2024 to March 2025. Despite a small (-0.5%) drop in dollar sales to USD 14.72 billion

Chick-fil-A launches new menu items Aug. 18, including the Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich, Cherry Berry beverages, and Waffle Potato Chips in Original and Chick-fil-A Sauce flavors, available as a side, snack, or retail bag in select locations.

Drought across Maine, with 80% of the state affected, threatens potato harvests. Experts warn stunted growth, urging irrigation. The USD 1.3 Billion industry faces risks as relief isn’t expected until early autumn.

Agristo, a leading Belgian potato processor with six global branches, will invest USD 450M in its first North American facility in Grand Forks. Construction starts 2026, with production set for fall 2028.

Chef Catherine McCord teams up with McCain® Foods this back-to-school season to make mealtime easier and more joyful. McCain® Smiles—crispy, fun potato sides ready in under 10 minutes—bring families together with simple recipes and shared smiles.

Reading Bakery Systems (RBS), a global leader in snack food production systems, has announced a significant expansion of its Customer Care team to provide enhanced support for customers worldwide.

Mashed potatoes top America’s comfort list, but a YouGov survey for National Potato Day reveals regional and generational favorites: rural areas love potato salad, urban areas prefer gnocchi/poutine, Boomers stick to classics, Gen Z tries tacos.