Potato News from Northern America

En Estados Unidos, la FDA avaló la papa Russet Burbank II de J. R. Simplot, una variedad GMO desarrollada con resistencia natural al *Phytophthora infestans*, al considerarla tan segura como las convencionales y capaz de reducir pesticidas y mejorar el almacenamiento.

FPS Food Process Solutions, a global leader in turn-key food processing solutions, and subsidiary GEM Equipment of Oregon, launches VersaFry as the latest collaborative innovation, specifically targeted to the growing snack and appetizer market.

Peak of the Market won GFS’s 2025 Regional Supplier Partner Award for excellence in quality, reliability, and collaboration, recognizing its efforts to supply local produce to Manitoba’s restaurants through the Markon Local brand.

Optimum Sorting, a specialist in optical sorting technology with offices in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States, reported revenue of EUR 40 million in 2025, representing growth of 38% compared with the previous year.

BluePrint Automation appointed Andy Stamp as VP of Sales and Marketing. He will lead North American sales and marketing, bringing experience in packaging and material handling to drive customer-focused growth and strengthen BPA’s leadership.

The National Potato Council voted to urge USTR to launch a Section 332 investigation into Canadian potato trade practices, citing decades-old restrictions in British Columbia and concerns over subsidies harming U.S. growers.

Last month, PepsiCo announced leadership and structural changes to boost its 2030 growth strategy, appointing Steven Williams as global CCO and Vice Chairman, Ram Krishnan as CEO of North America, and Athina Kanioura as CEO of Latin America Foods.

FPS Food Process Solutions (FPS), a global supplier of turn-key food processing solutions, is advancing a major global expansion program aimed at strengthening its manufacturing, technology, and service footprint across key international markets.

A renewed family conflict has emerged at McCain Foods, the world’s largest producer of frozen French fries, after Eleanor McCain sought to sell her stake for more than CAD 1 billion (USD 735 million).

SNAC International announced keynotes for SNX 2026: Circana EVP Sally Lyons Wyatt opens with data-driven snack category insights, and Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson closes with a fireside chat on entrepreneurship. Early rates end Jan 17 Apply.

Unique Snacks unveiled a bold rebrand with vibrant visuals and the tagline 'Daringly Different,' launching in Jan 2026. The refresh aligns its premium, better-for-you snacks with a modern look to drive growth and expand market share.

Folkland Foods is expanding operations with a new drive-in freezer on track for completion by January 2026, adding on-site frozen storage and supporting future growth. Supply partner Troyer Growers is adding potato storage to strengthen supply.

Lamb Weston se desplomó pese a superar expectativas porque, aunque crece el volumen, la compañía advirtió que su poder de precios y sus márgenes seguirán bajo presión en la segunda mitad del año debido a descuentos, costos internacionales elevados y un entorno competitivo desfavorable.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership in the Field: From Battlefield to Potato Field program, scheduled for July 13–16, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park.

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

Mars, global leader in pet care, snacking and food and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, recently announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

NAPSO and Spud Smart will host a webinar, 'Mid-Storage Health Check,' on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. PST. Experts Dr. Sastry Jayanty and Dr. Amanda Gevens will cover CO₂, humidity, airflow, and early detection of storage diseases. Register now.

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the modified starch market is estimated at USD 14.92 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 17.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.0 percent.