Potato News

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.

Belgian AI technology company Polysense has raised USD 10.7 million to expand its AI-powered quality control and process optimisation solutions, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, improve yield, and automate real-time production decisions.

Advanced post-harvest technologies are helping cut food waste, reduce carbon emissions, improve storage efficiency, and strengthen sustainable food supply chains through AI, IoT, precision sorting, renewable energy, and smart cold storage solutions.

GB Potatoes reports that longer potato rotations are boosting UK production by improving soil health, controlling pests and diseases, and supporting sustainable farming. Research shows diverse rotations increase yields, food value & resilience.

Zimbabwe harvested 100,055 t. of potatoes in the 2025/26 summer season, raising average yields to 29 t/ha. Expanding production to meet winter targets will depend on greater access to certified seed, irrigation, storage, processing, and investment.

Aviko's 2026 Annual Growers' Meeting reviewed the 2025 harvest, announced pool prices, and discussed market developments ahead of the 2026 crop. The meeting also highlighted collaboration across the potato value chain.

Inter Agra compares wooden and plastic potato storage boxes, highlighting the benefits of wooden pallet boxes, including natural ventilation, durability, repairability and standardized design for efficient potato storage and handling.

The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) and UNIKA have appointed Dr. Illya Kolba as their new joint managing director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead political advocacy and represent the interests of Germany's potato industry.

La XIV Fiesta y Feria de la Papa Andina se celebrará el 12 de julio en El Alfarcito, Salta. Más de 30 productores ofrecerán papas andinas, alimentos y artesanías regionales, junto con música en vivo y actividades culturales.

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

SAI Platform launched its Regenerating Together Programme during the 2026 Annual Event, bringing together industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture through practical implementation, collaboration and resilient production systems.

Hutton Scientific Services launched a commercial potato virus testing service for the 2026 United Kingdom seed potato campaign. The new service offers PLRV and PVY testing following SASA's withdrawal, supporting crop health and market confidence.

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.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota developed a drone- and AI-based system to predict potato yields before harvest. Using drone imagery, machine learning, and growth modeling, it enables accurate, non-destructive yield forecasting.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

McCain Foods celebrated 18 Manufacturing Academy graduates in Scarborough. Since launching in 2022, the programme has enrolled 118 employees, supporting NVQ training, career progression and skills development across its four United Kingdom.

Global potato processing is shifting toward efficiency as Asia expands capacity while Europe invests in automation and energy-saving technologies. Heat and drought are increasing crop variability, influencing starch markets and supply strategies.