Potato News from the United States

In May 2025, the Washington Post published an article entitled, powered by potatoes: Endurance athletes are chasing speed with spuds. The humble potato – cited as a mild, carbohydrate-packed fuel option – is growing in popularity among endurance athletes

Scott Technology debuts AccuTable in North America at PACK EXPO 2025, a compact, smart palletizing solution helping CPG makers overcome labor gaps, space limits, and complex product lines, boosting efficiency up to 10% even in cold environments.

On display at Pack Expo Booth N-7410 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, September 29 – October 1, view Urschel cutting machinery and KRONEN systems in one location.

Cornell marks 160 years of potato breeding, creating 50+ varieties—including top U.S. chip potatoes and nematode-resistant strains. Farmer partnerships and USDA support drive innovation, boosting sustainability and the USD 100B U.S. potato industry.

Agristo begins site preparation for its first U.S. potato plant on 360 acres in Grand Forks, ND. Set to open Jan 2028, it will produce fries, tots and more using 20,000+ acres of potatoes. Groundbreaking planned for Apr 2026.

Vanmark, an industrial potato and produce processing equipment manufacturer, announced its new Helix Hydrocutting System, designed to help curly fry producers achieve high volume with maximum results and yield.

Key Technology introduces COMPASS® optical sorter for potato chips at Pack Expo. Belt-fed with easy-to-use interface, it removes defects and foreign material, ensures food safety, boosts efficiency, enables fast cleaning, and offers IIoT analytics.

As a leading grower of fresh potatoes, Wada Farms set out to improve efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce reliance on manual labor. All while preparing for future growth.

Eastern Oregon potato growers face rising costs as U.S. tariffs hit fertilizer, equipment, and exports. Industry leaders warn of lost markets to China and long-term risks if tariffs persist.

Backer’s Potato Chips upgraded its aging bulk storage system with Vanmark’s six-bin solution, boosting unloading speed, reducing downtime, and cutting maintenance costs—allowing the family business to focus on growth and meeting rising demand.

Idahoan Foods introduces +PROTEIN™ Mashed Potatoes, made with 100% Idaho potatoes and packed with 6g of protein per serving. With 24g per pouch, they offer comfort food that supports nutrition goals while keeping you fuller longer.

The potatoes you pack today define your reputation tomorrow. Customers expect quality, consistency, and on-time deliveries. But can your grading technology keep up?

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.

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.