News on Food Trends from the Americas

Whole Foods Market, a leading organic and natural grocery chain, announced it plans to open a new chain of stores with lower prices.

Americans appear confused about the benefits of organics, with many perceiving the organic label as nothing more than an excuse to sell products at a premium, according to new research from MIntel

ConAgra Foods, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Blake’s All Natural Foods, a rapidly-growing, family-owned company which makes natural and organic frozen meals, including pot pies, casseroles, pasta dishes and other entrees.

Ceres, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERE), an agricultural biotechnology company, today announced that the company has licensed its Persephone bioinformatics software to global seed potato developer, HZPC Holland BV.

It appears that the potato crisp is in decline in Britain, according to a survey carried out by 'The Grocer' Magazine

Lamb Weston now provides restaurant operators in North America with a tool to find out where the potatoes that become their fries originated and then share that information with their customers.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize the replacement and modernization of the Federal Nematode Quarantine Facility at Cornell University in the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Capitol Investment Strategy for Fiscal Year 2016.

McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook recently announced the initial steps of the Company's turnaround plan

A group of 18 Idaho Potato farmers that say they have been negatively affected by the Pale Cyst Nematode (PCN) program filed an administrative lawsuit against the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture on Tuesday.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics shows that a diet high in potassium may protect teenagers from high blood pressure in adulthood. Since potatoes are a major dietary source of potassium, the potato sector should take note of this research.

Ohio Department of Health officials say the likely source of the Lancaster botulism outbreak is home-canned potatoes used in a potato salad.

SkinnyPop Popcorn LLC recently announced that it has acquired the Paqui brand of “better-for-you” tortilla chips and tortillas and that Paqui will immediately become a sibling brand to SkinnyPop in the better-for-you family of snack food brands.

McDonald’s announces to unwrap a plan next month that it says will help turn around sales declines around the world.

Utz Quality Foods, Inc. recently announced the culmination of strategic development work to launch the Utz Specialty Division. The Utz Specialty Division will provide Retailers with a range of brands and products to excite consumers around better-for-you, craft and regional snack foods.

Nomad Holdings Limited has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Iglo Foods Holdings Limited, Europe's leading frozen food company, from a company backed by the Permira funds for approximately €2.6 billion, subject to customary closing conditions.

Cellectis Plant Sciences, Inc. has announced today that the Plant Biotechnology Journal has accepted the publication of its peer-reviewed manuscript demonstrating the phenotypic validation of potato lines developed by inactivating a single endogenous gene responsible for sugar accumulation when stored at cold temperatures.

University of Montana researchers have good news for endurance athletes hankering for a burger and fries after an intense workout: Dig in.

Wendy's is cranking up the heat on its signature Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Natural-Cut Fries with the launch of the new Jalapeno Fresco Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Ghost Pepper Fries.