Potato News from Northern America

The Dutch potato cooperative Agrico has recently purchased more shares in its joint investment Parkland Seed Potatoes Ltd, granting it a majority stake in this Canadian seed potato company.

The National Potato Council (NPC) is pleased to award Washington Luis da Silva, a plant pathology Ph.D. student at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., its 2014-15 Academic Scholarship.

The red fields of Prince Edward Island are renowned for growing potatoes. Fred Dollar’s decision to grow organic potatoes is built on that reputation.

The Potato Association of America’s new president says the organization aims to provide the industry with the best research and information available. Andy Jensen took over as president of the research organization in July.

Cae el consumo por la competencia de alimentos supuestamente más sanos y por el menor tiempo disponible para cocinar.

An agreement was reached today to create the world’s third largest quick service restaurant company. Tim Hortons Inc. (TSX, NYSE: THI) and Burger King Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: BKW) today announced a definitive agreement under which the two companies will create a new global powerhouse in the quick service restaurant sector.

Saratoga Chips, America’s first kettle chip, has achieved strong growth since new owners purchased the company in the summer of 2013.

Potandon Produce is stepping up to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and make a donation to the ALS Association. Steve Ottum, COO at Potandon threw down the gauntlet.

“Research released on sodium and cardiovascular disease in today’s [August 14] New England Journal of Medicine adds to the national discussion of sodium's role in the American diet,” says Snack Food Association (SFA) CEO Tom Dempsey.

Workers at the J.R. Simplot Co. potato processing plant in Grand Forks have reached a contract agreement with the company after being on strike for almost three weeks.

McCain Foods said Wednesday it has signed a deal to sell its North American frozen pizza business to Dr. Oetker GmbH.

Yesterday Burger chain Burger King and Canadian Coffee and Donut Chain Tim Hortons confirmed they are in talks to join forces.

Prince Edward Island potato growers are proud of the trail blazers and industry builders who have established PEI as a world leader in potato production and expertise.

Fresh Solutions Network has been named as a finalist for the 2014 PMA Impact Awards in Excellence in Packaging for their innovation and excellence in the Side Delights Gourmet Petite potato product line.

The United States Potato Board (USPB) is pleased to announce Amy Burdett has joined its staff as Marketing Operations Director in the Denver office.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed a case of potato wart in a Prince Edward Island field.

The Ulster Farmers Union has held a meeting with potato industry stakeholders to discuss the best way forward for the industry with potato packers, merchants and producers agreeing that a promotions and marketing campaign is needed to address the continual decline in potato consumption.

After less than a year of being on the menu, Burger King is getting rid of its lower-calorie french fries, called Satisfries, at most of its restaurants.