News on Food Trends from the United States

Fresh Solutions Network announced that Mack Farms has joined their network of best-in-industry grower/shipper partners.

A study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that in an analysis of worldwide dietary patterns, overall diet quality worsened across the globe even as consumption of healthier foods increased in many countries.

Columbia Basin potato processors slowed down during the West Coast port impasse, making fewer potatoes into french fries, hash browns and other potato products shipped around the world.

Black Gold Farms, an industry leader in potato production, sales and marketing, recently acquired the legacy potato production operation, George Wood Farms located near Camden, NC.

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee submitted its recommendations to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in order to inform the 2015 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

McDonald's Corporation today announced that global comparable sales decreased 1.8% in January, mainly due to a 12.6% drop in comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA).

Alarmed by rapid deforestation in an ecologically sensitive swath of central Minnesota, state regulators have ordered a broad environmental review that will temporarily halt conversion of the region’s jackpine stands to potato fields.

Snyder's-Lance, Inc. announces Clearview Foods, a new snack food division with a focus on developing innovative and better-for-you snacking options.

Today, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report recommending fresh white potatoes to be an eligible vegetable for purchase using the WIC Cash Value Voucher. This is a reversal compared to previous IOM recommendations

The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association will honor Ron Norman with its Meritorious Service Award at their banquet on February 17th.

The Board of Directors of McDonald's Corporation today announced that Don Thompson will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors after nearly 25 years of service to the company, effective March 1. The Board has elected Steve Easterbrook to replace Thompson as President and CEO.

New Research Confirms French Fried Potatoes Are Not a Source of Trans Fat

At the National Potato Council (NPC) Annual Meeting on January 9, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, seven NPC
past presidents were invited to come on stage.

POTATO EXPO 2015, held January 7-9, in Orlando, Florida, turned out to be the greatest event
yet for exhibitors and attendees.

Brendon and Sheldon Rockey of Rockey Farms in Center, Colorado, were named the recipients of the prestigious 2014 Environmental Stewardship Award presented at the National Potato Council’s 2015 Annual Meeting.

United States Potato Board President & CEO Blair Richardson surprised attendees at the POTATO EXPO 2015 with an industry challenge to install 3,000 potato-friendly salad bars in school lunch programs across the United States.

At the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2015 Annual Meeting, held January 9-10, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, Dan Lake from Lake Seed, Inc. of Ronan, Montana, was elected to serve as NPC’s president for 2015 and to lead the council’s Executive Committee.

Once again, the Washington State Potato Commission and Oregon Potato Commission have joined forces in the planning and execution of the 2015 Washington/Oregon Potato Conference, Jan. 27-29.