Potato News from Oceania

Colin and Donna Craig-Brown found the questionably large potato growing in their yard in November 2021. They even named the potato Dug and submitted their surprisingly large find to Guinness World Records (via Food & Wine).

A New Zealand couple named Donna and Colin Craig-Brownla found a 25-pound potato by surprise buried in their backyard and ended up naming it Doug.

Nicole Stevens traveled to Australia from the United Kingdom after completing her science and tourism management studies. Her career pathway has now diverted to horticulture.

McCain Foods has installed proprietary world-leading technology in the form of a Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) generator, as part of the company’s latest upgrade to its Smithton plant in Tasmania.

Global food processing and packaging solutions specialist, tna solutions, unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system, the tna robag® 3e.

Potato and vegetable growers have vied for the title of top producers as part of Simplot's Annual Grower Awards. The Awards, which have been in place since 1997, recognize the outstanding achievements of Tasmania's potato and vegetable growers during the 2020-2021 harvest.

The multi-generational farmer's passion for the simple spud seems to have paid off, helping secure growers like himself an additional $9 a tonne deal with major food manufacturer Simplot over the coming financial year.

Australian vegetable and potato industry body AUSVEG has announced the appointment of Michael Coote as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2021.

Pringles has unveiled a new range of veggie-inspired chips in Australia, including purple sweet potato with sea salt and tomato with mozzarella and herbs.

Over three decades, the Tasmania based company Agronico has shifted its focus from an agriculture consultancy business to all things mini tubers and seed potatoes.

The much-awaited return of ‘McCain Smiles’ to Australia is here with just half the traditional cooking time. Now that’s something to smile about.

The post-Covid economy is driving strong growth for Australian vegetable producers. Fueled by the increase in consumer demand for fresh vegetables, Australian growers have chosen to invest significantly in improving their post-harvest operations.

Investing in pack-house equipment usually means a notable cash outlay for any grower, packer, or processor. Making the effort to look after your equipment with regular care and maintenance will extend the life of your investment, saving you time and money.

In New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released its Interim Report (Essential Facts and Conclusions) on the investigation into European dumping of frozen processed potato into the NZ market.

Australia’s oldest and most iconic chip brand, Smith’s, is celebrating its 90th birthday. As the country's favorite chip brand for almost a century, Smith's has been a pantry staple and mainstay at BBQs, picnics, and parties for 90 years!

The World Potato Congress is extremely pleased to present its next webinar on Tuesday, April 6, 2021/Wednesday, April 7, 2021, with Dr. Paul Horne, Entomologist, and owner and Director of IPM Technologies Pty Ltd., Hurstbridge, Victoria, Australia.

Innovative, specialist fresh potato producers Terrence and Wendy Rattray are diversifying after buying Perfecta Produce and further expanding the substantial agricultural business in the fertile North-West food bowl.

Two trials in Pukekawa, New Zealand, are showing some early promise for potato growers when it comes to greater control of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (PTM).