News on Food Trends from Northern America

A decline in overall potato consumption has Texas A&M AgriLife Research breeders working on “designer” potatoes that meet the time constraints and unique tastes of a younger generation.

A potato disease known as Late blight is threatening some Wisconsin potato fields, but growers are well aware and making strides to prevent it from spreading.

McDonald's Corporation today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, reflecting higher revenues and earnings per share for the quarter.

The National Potato Council (NPC) and the United States Potato Board (USPB) are accepting applications for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2015. The annual eight-day program, held Feb. 19-26, 2015, is designed to identify, develop, and cultivate new leaders within the U.S. potato industry.

David Thompson, President & CEO, World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC Inc.) has announced the appointment of Mr. Ron Gall, New Zealand; Dr. Nora Olsen, USA; and Anne Fowlie, Canada; as members of the Board of Directors.

New sales figures from the United States indicate that when it comes to bagged fresh potatoes, smaller package sizes are starting to sell big.

Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, Moses Lake, is the focal point of a Republican primary election controversy involving the race between Clint Didier and his opponent Dan Newhouse.

'Do us a flavor' finalists Lay's Cappuccino, Lay's Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese, Lay's Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger and Lay's Wavy Mango Salsa Flavored Potato Chips Hit Shelves Nationwide in late July; Fans Can Vote to Save their Favorite through October 18, 2014

Today’s consumers desire to understand the health and nutritional benefits of the produce they buy. That’s why the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), an industry-wide effort aimed at creating a quick and efficient traceability process by electronically tracking produce from the farm fields to supermarket shelves, is vital.

Russet House - the third largest sweet potato processor in North America - announces the launch of Organic White Fries in early fall of 2014.

Health Canada launched a series of online public consultations on proposed changes that will improve the way nutrition information is presented on labels.

As part of the second and final public environmental assessment comment period for the J.R. Simplot Company's petition to deregulate its biotech Innate™ 1.0 potatoes, the National Potato Council submitted comments to the Federal Register noting that the technology 'could effectively address key production and processing issues facing the potato industry.'

Research capacity in Alberta’s potato industry will be significantly enhanced due to a $1 million investment in the University of Lethbridge by the Potato Growers of Alberta and the Potato Processors McCain Foods, ConAgra Lamb Weston and Cavendish Farms

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today announced that it is acquiring WILD Flavors GmbH, giving ADM the ability to offer food and beverage companies a comprehensive suite of systems to enhance and improve their products.

Saratoga Chip switches to Mountain Pure Himalayan pink salt, a mineral and energy-rich iron alternative to traditional salt for all six Saratoga Chip flavors

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE:CAG) joined with community and civic leaders today to celebrate the completed expansion of its Lamb Weston frozen potato facility in Boardman, Oregon

The provincial government of New Brunswick is investing $5 million in a research and development project at McCain Foods (Canada) which will see the company work with small and medium-sized businesses and researchers from New Brunswick to pursue process improvement, product development and soil remediation initiatives.

In this USDA research on soybean crops, researchers find a link between minimum winter temperature and pesticide use.