Potato News from Northern America

With the release of the global 2024 Sustainability Report, McCain Foods continues to make progress towards its goal to provide products that are more sustainably sourced – delivering good food to consumers, while supporting the communities where it operates.

Blackfoot, Idaho, known as the "Potato Capital of the World," is home to the Idaho Potato Museum and delicious comfort food spots like Rupe’s Burgers. Visitors can enjoy potato-themed attractions, the annual Potato Festival, and outdoor adventures at Hell’s Half Acre. This underrated city offers a perfect mix of food, history, and nature.

Two local farms are joining forces for another Fill Your Boots Event, allowing Islanders to pick their own free potatoes straight from Island potato storages. The giveaway aims to build on the success of the Fill Your Boots events of the last three years.

Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. The breakthrough could cut food waste and enhance crop farming in space and other extreme environments.

Friehe Farms in Washington’s Upper Columbia River Basin combines teamwork and advanced technology to produce high-quality russet potatoes. Drones, GPS-guided planting, and climate-controlled storage enhance efficiency, while traditional four-year crop rotation helps maintain soil health.

Teton Valley Brands, the maker of Real Idaho Potato Chips, has announced the expansion of its executive team. The company has appointed Steve Marek as Vice President of Operations.

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is set to host its third webinar, titled "Storing for Success: Protecting Potato Seed & Preventing Disease," on Monday, February 24, 2025 @10am PST / 1pm EST.

Masser Family of Companies (MFC) has announced the newest team member to join their executive leadership team: Tiffany Readinger. She will serve in a newly created role, Vice President of Sales and Category Management.

Yum! Brands has announced it is moving 100 KFC jobs out of Louisville.

The Sinaloa state in Mexico is preparing for a historic potato harvest in 2025, with a planted area exceeding 17 thousand hectares, a notable increase compared to previous years with an estimated production of over 500 thousand tons.

The success of the potato industry is built on growers’ ability to introduce new potato varieties that meet market demands. For example, when snack-size bags of potato chips were popularized, the industry responded by breeding smaller potatoes for smaller chips to fit into the bags.

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles issued the following statement congratulating Brooke Rollins, who was confirmed today by the full Senate to serve as Secretary of the USA Department of Agriculture

The Little Potato Company, the number one Little potato company in North America, is introducing two extensions to its popular Microwave Ready and Oven or Grill Ready product lines: A Little Hot Honey Microwave Ready Kit and A Little Garlic & Parmesan Oven or Grill Ready Kit.

TIPA, a global leader in compostable packaging innovation, is launching an advanced home compostable metallized high-barrier film. The solution addresses critical challenges in eco-conscious packaging for chips and salty snacks, offering enhanced functionality and durability in a biodegradable solution.

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding the 25% tariff imposed on Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump, which will undoubtedly have an impact on potato exports from Prince Edward Island.

USA retail sales of potatoes remained strong from January–December 2024, as volume sales increased 3.1%, and dollar sales rose 0.7% to $18.2 billion. All categories of potatoes increased in volume sales.

Convenience stores are intensifying their focus on foodservice offerings to drive foot traffic, in-store sales growth and frequency of repeat visits. Strong consumer interest in prepared foods, commissary and beverage options has led convenience stores, often referred to as c-stores, to compete much more aggressively with quick service restaurants and fast-food chains.

Idaho Steel is proud to announce the evolution of its flagship product, the Nex-Gem 4 former. Designed with innovation and quality at its core, the Nex-Gem 4 builds on the trusted features of its predecessor while introducing new capabilities that enhance efficiency, safety, and production capacity.