Potato News from the United States

Agristo has officially broken ground on its new potato processing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The project is expected to create 300–350 jobs, process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually, and begin production in fall 2029.

A taste test of six frozen sweet potato fry brands ranked Alexia as the best overall for flavor and texture, Ore-Ida as the crispiest, and Sprouts as the top honorable mention, highlighting top picks for burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Agristo has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) as a Processor Member, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable potato production. The move supports industry collaboration as Agristo expands its first U.S. processing facility.

Pringles launched limited-edition Pop Dog Buns, potato-based hot dog buns inspired by Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ and Honey Mustard crisps. The buns will be offered free with a Pringles Three-Pack on July 8 and July 15, while supplies last.

Jesse & Ben’s raised USD 10 million in Series A funding led by Greycroft to expand retail distribution, strengthen its supply chain, and grow its team. The seed-oil-free French fry brand will also launch new sweet potato and crinkle-cut varieties.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has upgraded the recall of selected Utz potato chips under the Zapp's and Dirty brands to a Class I recall due to the potential risk of salmonella contamination.

J.R. Simplot has expanded its Beef Tallow Fries & Formed range with new Beef Tallow Tater Gems. Par-fried in real beef tallow, the foodservice-exclusive product delivers rich flavor, deeper umami, and flexible preparation by baking or frying.

Idahoan Foods has improved conveyor reliability at its Idaho Falls potato processing facility by installing Intralox Series 10000 belting beneath its even-flow bins, eliminating belt slippage, reducing maintenance and helping prevent costly downtime.

Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo's Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips have won a 2026 Good Housekeeping Snack Award. The recognition is the brand's second award this quarter, following a People Food Award for its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

Ohalo and Allied Potato form a strategic partnership to advance Boosted potato breeding, combining Ohalo Boosted Breeding platform with Allied Potato expertise to develop higher-yield disease-resistant potatoes and explore potato seed systems.

Agristo has extended construction of its frozen potato processing plant in Grand Forks by one year, with production now scheduled for fall 2029. Construction and hiring continue as the facility prepares to process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually.

Organizaciones agrícolas de Estados Unidos, Canadá y México pidieron renovar y fortalecer el USMCA/T-MEC antes de su revisión de 2026, destacando su papel clave en la seguridad alimentaria, la integración comercial, la competitividad regional y la estabilidad económica de América del Norte.

Idahoan Foods will permanently close its Rupert, Idaho, potato processing plant by the end of June 2026, affecting 61 employees. The company says it will support workers through the transition while continuing operations at its other facilities.

Optimum Sorting has opened a larger facility and demo center in Sacramento, California, following record growth in 2025. The new site enables customer testing of sorting technologies and strengthens the company's support across North America.

Intralox is promoting its Series 1750 (S1750) modular plastic belting as an alternative to conventional rodded chains used in potato processing washers and destoners/rock traps.

Lamb Weston’s FY2025 Sustainability Report highlights progress toward its 2033 goals, including a 15% reduction in injury rates, USD 830K+ in community donations, 6% lower freshwater use, 85% sustainable packaging, and 98% waste diversion.

Lamb Weston has appointed Ashley H. as Vice President of Global Agriculture. With over 20 years at the company, she will lead global agriculture strategy and operations, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality potatoes worldwide.