News On French Fries and Potato Specialties from the Americas

June 22, 2009

Cavendish Farms unveils new Bio-Gas Facility

Cavendish Farms, one of North America's leading producers of frozen potato products, unveiled a critical vital new element in their environmental action plan, and a first for the potato industry in North America.

June 12, 2009

US Potato Stocks and Processing as of June 1

The 13 major potato States held 44.8 million cwt of potatoes in storage June 1, 2009, down 11 percent from a year ago but 1 percent above June 1, 2007. Potatoes in storage accounted for 12 percent of the 2008 fall storage States' production, slightly b...

June 10, 2009

Cavendish Farms withdraws from negotiations with Minn-Dak potato growers

After long negotiations to reach a price agreement for potato growers represented by the Minn-Dak Bargaining Co-op, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks announced Wednesday that Cavendish Farms of Jamestown, N.D., did not ...

June 09, 2009

New Potato Specialties and Appetizer Plant to be built in Plover

A food processing plant slated to open this fall in the village of Plover (Wisconsin) is about to receive another financial shot in the arm. The Portage County Economic Development and Finance committees Monday approved a $400,000 federal economic de...

June 04, 2009

Lamb Weston CrissCut French Fry production in Richland (video)

Video with a few glimpses of how Lamb Weston produces their Signature Range Crisscut French fries in their Richland (Washington) potato processing facility.

June 03, 2009

Mon-Dak Region still wants a French Fry plant

For 10 years, building a potato processing plant has been on Tom Rolfstad’s to-do list, and the Williston Economic Development director continues to follow up on it.“I do think we’re on the right path,” Rolfstad said. “I think it’s worth pursuing. It ...

June 03, 2009

McCain Foods named Exporter of the Year

Doubling its export volume over the last four years helped win the McCain team the prestigious Exporter of the Year Award for 2009.The award, a joint initiative of Business New Brunswick and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, was presented by New Br...

June 01, 2009

McCain Foods cutting 126 jobs at Fort Atkinson appetizer plant

McCain Foods USA announced to employees this morning that it will eliminate approximately 126 hourly and salaried jobs at its Fort Atkinson facility during the next three months.The cuts are the result of production realignments at its appetizer plants...

June 01, 2009

ConAgra Foods revamps its Look, pledges to deliver 'Food You Love'

Consumers are being let in on a secret: ConAgra Foods is the face behind the brands they’ve had on their shopping lists for years. The company revealed a new brand identity today that highlights the tremendous appeal of its products to consumers-- the ...

May 30, 2009

Wet spring in Manitoba may affect potato yield and quality

Manitoba has had a relatively wet spring and according to Tom Gonsalves, business development specialist for potatoes with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), all the moisture in the soil certainly has the potential to negatively ...

May 29, 2009

Cavendish farms reaches deal with its potato growers, faces a 15% production cut

The chair of the P.E.I. potato processing committee says growers are content to have reached a deal with Cavendish Farms for this year.Scott Howatt said Thursday growers accepted the first offer as they face what appears to be another difficult year.“W...

May 27, 2009

McDonald's stresses growth in weak economy

McDonald's Corp. expects to carry on in successfully besting the recession, the restaurant giant's chief executive told shareholders Wednesday, even as some fast-food chains have shown recent signs of weakness."Our momentum is continuing in 2009,&...

May 16, 2009

Solanyl Biopolymers Inc turns potato starch into biodegradable plastics

When waste byproducts are recycled and reused, it is always good for the environment. That means potato product producers in Portage la Prairie are doing some good things for the environment. Simplot Canada Ltd. in Portage la Prairie goes through a...

May 15, 2009

US Potato Stocks down 10% from May 2008

The 13 major US potato States held 115 million cwt of potatoes in storage April 1, 2009, down 9 percent from a year ago and 5 percent below April 1, 2007. Potatoes in storage accounted for 31 percent of the 2008 fall storage States' production, slight...

May 12, 2009

Washington State Governor urges Obama to resolve trucking dispute with Mexico

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is urging the Obama administration to quickly resolve a trucking dispute with Mexico to aid export of Washington farm products, including frozen potatoes, that are now the target of the 20 percent duty.Canadian potato gro...

May 11, 2009

Canadian Agriculture minister disputes PEI potato board's numbers

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is taking issue with the P.E.I. Potato Board's interpretation of how much money has been paid out for crops ruined by rain last summer. In October, a $12.4- million compensation plan was announced, cost-shared b...

May 07, 2009

The Future of Fried Foods

Deep Fried Foods - such as French Fries - form a key part of the menu in most restaurants. However, as consumers become more health conscious, they may be looking for healthier menu options.

May 07, 2009

Idaho Potato growers adjust expectations

Idaho potato farmers are planting the state's signature crop, and some are making changes based on reduced processing contracts.Processors that make french fries and other frozen potato products have reduced overall contracted potato acreage in the Nor...