Potato News from the United States

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is proud to announce Hannah Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University, as the recipient of the organization's 2025-26 academic scholarship. 

UTZ launches limited-edition Lemonade Potato Chips, blending tart citrus with savory crunch for a sweet-salty summer twist. Available now at select retailers, these bright, nostalgic chips are part of UTZ’s bold seasonal flavor lineup.

Zapp’s® launches Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips, blending Cajun-style blackened seasoning with zesty ranch for a bold Louisiana taste. Available in 1.5, 2.5, and 8 oz bags nationwide and online, delivering the brand’s signature crunch and flavor.

KFC’s Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings return nationwide Aug 18 by popular demand. Enjoy wedges alone, sides, or in a new wings & wedges combo. Plus, get deals like USD 3.99 chicken sandwich and USD 20 fan box. Available while supplies last.

Wisconsin red and yellow potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Adams, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers.

NPC invites proposals for Potato Expo 2026 sessions on innovation, tech, trends & collaboration. Formats: 20–40 min talks or panels. Submit by Sept 12; notifications by Oct 10. Topics: production, trade, tech, research, policy & more.

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its COMPASS® belt-fed optical sorter at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth W-1040.

J.R. Simplot Company is undergoing restructuring, leading to layoffs in Boise and abroad. Though the scope is unclear, employees report job losses on LinkedIn. The company hasn’t filed a WARN notice and remains focused on adapting to market changes.

Utz Brands, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded Salty Snacks and a small-cap value staples equity, has reported financial results for the Company’s second fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2025. 

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has announced its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2025 results and provided its outlook for fiscal 2026. The Company also announced "Focus to Win," a comprehensive plan designed to improve execution and drive profitable growth.

Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.

Potatoes top the charts as America's favorite veggie for the 9th year, per the 2025 Consumer Attitudes & Usage study. With 81% eating them weekly, belief in their nutrition and value as performance fuel is at an all-time high.

After years of effort, the USDA has officially deregulated a 120-acre field near Shelley, Idaho, from the state's pale cyst nematode (PCN) quarantine program, marking a major milestone in the fight against this potato pest.

Lawmakers toured Aroostook County to explore Maine’s potato industry, seeing innovative tech and learning how policy affects farming. The trip aimed to boost understanding of agricultural challenges and support.

PepsiCo, a leading global food and beverage company whose portfolio includes iconic brands such as Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, Quaker, and Doritos, reported its results for the second quarter of 2025.

A proposed class action lawsuit claims that The Campbell’s Company has misled consumers by marketing Cape Cod potato chips as free from preservatives, given that the snacks contain the common food additive citric acid.

Joseph Ifeanyi Ulasi leads a groundbreaking project to boost late blight resistance in diploid potatoes by introgressing novel Rpi genes from wild species. Using Solanum verrucosum as a genetic bridge, he advances resilient breeding for future crops.

Simplot plans to acquire Belgium-based Clarebout Potatoes, uniting two family-owned frozen potato leaders. The move aims to boost European market presence and sustainability, with operations continuing and expanding across 23 global sites.