Potato News from Northern America

Vitsab International AB introduces Freshtag®, a color-changing time-temperature label using 'Stoplight Technology' to monitor perishable foods in transit. The easy-to-use, compliant solution helps prevent spoilage, ensure safety, and protect profits.

Researchers at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Alberta, Canada, potatoes are testing if short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging can be used to assess Total GlycoAlkaloid (TGA) levels in potatoes.

FPS Food Process Solutions has added Southern Fabrication Works to its portfolio, boosting its capabilities in hydro-cutting, water knife technology and plant engineering, strengthening end-to-end food processing solutions worldwide.

During Potato Lover's Month, NPGA is recognizing the growers who contribute to the region’s four key sectors: Fresh, Processing, Chip, and Seed. Each week in February, one sector is featured. This week, the spotlight is on the chip sector.

The Little Potato Company, the number one little potato brand in North America, is kicking off a year-long 30th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of a new anniversary logo.

Tom Wild of Wild Seed Farms Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, and Gary and Lynda Bula, owners of Gary Bula Farms Inc., Oxford, were inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame

Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies modernized Herr Foods end-of-line operations, boosting throughput 25% to 150 cpm, expanding to 20 lines and 600 SKUs, saving USD 650k+ annually, and improving safety—within the existing footprint.

SNAC International has announced the education session lineup for SNX26, highlighting the legal, regulatory, political and consumer forces shaping the snack industry in 2026 and beyond.

Grimmway Produce Group’s Cal-Organic Farms launched a year-round organic bite-size potato line with gold, red, medley, fingerling, and novelty nibbles in mesh packs, expanding convenience. Orders start March 9 after debut at SEPC Southern Exposure.

McCain Foods, world’s largest producer of French fries, has announced a new long-term partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, reinforcing its deep roots and ongoing commitment to Canada.

For more than 60 years, R.D. Offutt Farms has paired science with stewardship to grow potatoes the right way. This January, the company doubled down on that commitment, selecting Wadena County as the home of a new 90-acre potato research farm.

MoistTech Corp, the global leader in moisture measurement and control, will participate in SNX 2026, taking place March 29–31, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

GB Potatoes has named the first cohort of its new Potato Industry Development Programme, with 14 early and mid-career professionals completing the initial phase of training from 2–4 February.

Dallas hosted the event amid political uncertainty, tariffs, strained trade ties and migrant labour crackdowns, while the Trump administration provided nearly USD 40 billion in farm aid, though none was specifically directed at potato production sector.

Savory snack food sales surged to USD 742 million during Super Bowl Week 2025, according to new Circana data commissioned by SNAC International, the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide.

Eleven additional states can export fresh table-stock and chipping potatoes to South Korea, according to a Jan. 23 agreement announced by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Michigan State University Extension will host a free six-session 2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar Series in February. The virtual program will share practical strategies to improve soil health, water quality and farm resilience.

SNAC International has announced the appointment of Cindy Kuester as its new President & CEO, effective February 9, 2026. Kuester brings more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, having spent many years at Snak King.