Potato News from Washington

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that potato producers in Washington voted to continue their federal marketing order program.

Key Technology expands its VERYX® family of digital sorters with the addition of the new VERYX C70. This small chute-fed sorter is ideal for low- to mid-capacity production lines.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Whole Foods Market for $42 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $13.7 billion, including Whole Foods Market’s net debt.

Lamb Weston has started the construction of additional potato storage facilities in Pasco, Washington, representing an investment of USD 3.4 million

Key Technology expands its VERYX® family of digital sorters with the introduction of the VERYX B140, a medium-capacity belt-fed sorter with a 1400-mm wide inspection zone.

Washington potato producers will vote from June 9–23, 2017, on whether to continue the federal marketing order regulating the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington.

Key Technology introduces new product-specific infeed and collection conveyors for their new VERYX® digital sorters. Designed to work together with VERYX belt-fed and chute-fed sorters as integrated systems, Key’s vibratory shakers and belt conveyors bring together the company’s expertise in both product handling and sorting.

As construction advances on Lamb Weston’s new french fry line in Richland, Washington, the US-based potato processing giant is preparing to hire workers.

Earlier this month Amazon introduced its new grocery store concept Amazon Go. Amazon Go is a new kind of store with no checkout required.

Agribusiness giant J. R. Simplot is seeking receivership over two of its vegetable suppliers, claiming mismanagement of the $400-million-grossing companies threatens 2,000 jobs and could end in bankruptcy without court intervention.

Key Technology introduces their new book, 'The Definitive Guide to Digital Sorting for Food Processors'. This 76-page technical report offers an in-depth look at every relevant aspect of digital sorting systems.

Seven of Lamb Weston's thirteen processing facilities in the United States achieved ENERGY STAR® certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In September, McDonald's approved two relatively new potato varieties for the production of their french Fries. They only allow seven varieties now, four of which were developed by the Tri-State Program

As part of the Lay's 'Passport to Flavor' program, onlookers at the Amazon Treasure Truck in Occidental Square in Seattle, Washington were surprised by an over-the-top cultural experience.

Volm Companies held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 10 for their new manufacturing and distribution facility in Pasco, Washington.

Earlier this year, Lamb Weston's opened its new Innovation Center in Richland, with co-creation spaces, fully functioning kitchens and a pilot line. The interior was designed by Lamb Westons design agency, Williams Murray Hamm brand agency (WMH), also responsible for Lamb Weston's new global branding

Key Technology introduces its VERYX® belt-fed digital sorters. Like the chute-fed VERYX sorters introduced in 2015, the new belt-fed VERYX sorters set new standards of performance.

Several newly evolved strains of the disease known as potato virus Y, or PVY, can render potatoes unmarketable and reduce crop yield. What’s worse is the new viruses are particularly difficult to detect with the naked eye.