News on Food Trends from the United States

First Insight’s latest study, The Quiet Takeover of Private Label, finds that differences between private label products and national brands have blurred so much that most consumers can no longer distinguish between the two.

A research team, including Michigan State University Assistant Professor Olivia Smith, gained international recognition in 2024 for a study showing that agricultural diversification benefits both growers and the environment worldwide.

In the second half of 2024 alone, multiple high-profile contaminant outbreaks shook the food industry—and challenged consumers’ trust in it.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.

United States potato exports fell 4% in volume and 1% in value (July 2024–March 2025), mainly due to lower dehydrated and chip exports. Frozen, fresh, and seed exports rose, with strong gains in Japan, Taiwan, and Guatemala despite China-India competition.

With a focus on Making Fries and Making Strides, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. issued its annual Global Sustainability Report, providing updates on the company’s performance against key sustainability and people initiatives during its fiscal year 2024.

Alsum Farms & Produce awarded USD 10,000 in scholarships to 10 Wisconsin high school seniors for academic, agricultural, and community excellence. The program supports future ag leaders.

Heat and Control, a world-leading manufacturer of food industry equipment, has announced the acquisition of Fabcon Food Systems Ltd.

En menos de diez años se espera que el mercado global de productos procesados de papa supere los 62 mi millones de dólares. Un crecimiento anual de más del 5%.

Intralox unveils updated strategies and tools to prevent the top 5 causes of conveyor-related foreign material contamination (FMC), helping food processors enhance safety, reduce recalls, and extend belt life through proactive prevention.

Tariff pressures and rising costs are reshaping consumer perceptions in the potato snack market. Brands must monitor sentiment closely, act swiftly on price-to-value concerns, and adapt strategies to protect loyalty in this highly sensitive category.

REYCO Systems celebrates 50 years of innovation in food processing technology. From the Oil Miser® to EcoMiser® and EcoVac™, the company continues to lead with sustainable solutions. Here's to the next 50 years of success!

Simon Fraher is a highly skilled vegetable breeder finishing his doctorate this spring semester with NC State University’s Sweetpotato and Potato Breeding and Genetics Programs.

Utz Brands will showcase its Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border snacks, including new flavors, at booth #2714 during the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 13-15 in Indianapolis.

Pro Farm Group introduces ARINO™ insecticide/ nematicide, for the management of nematodes and wireworms in potatoes, onions and other bulb and tuberous vegetables. 

Escalating US-China tensions and tariffs exceeding 100% are disrupting global supply chains, driving up prices on key ingredients like rice, oils, and spices, and forcing food businesses worldwide to adapt amid tightening markets.

Trump’s tariffs threaten Canada-sourced canola oil, crucial for frying french fries. With rising oil costs, restaurants may raise prices, switch oils, or cut profits—making fries a luxury instead of a cheap staple.

PSA welcomes Iowa State University, Black Gold Farms, Tidal Grow AgriScience, and Potato Services of Michigan as new members in 2025, expanding collaboration to advance sustainability in the potato industry.