Potato News from Northern America

NPC Statement on the Nomination of Tom Vilsack as USDA Secretary

December 12, 2020

National Potato Council welcomes the Nomination of Tom Vilsack as USDA Secretary

The United States Potato industry looks forward to productive relationship with returning Secretary Tom Vilsack.

December 12, 2020

Frito-Lay Enhances Direct-to-Consumer Shopping Experience with the Launch of 'Make Your Own' Variety Pack

Snack fans have asked for more customization for years and Frito-Lay is responding in a big way. Frito-Lay today announced a new way for shoppers to customize their own Frito-Lay Variety Pack to fit the snacking needs of their household.

December 08, 2020

Maine researchers are developing genomic tools for potato breeders

Two University of Maine researchers, Greg Porter and Han Tan, are part of a team of plant geneticists and breeders working to develop tools that will help Maine scientists and farmers become more efficient in bringing novel, improved potato varieties to market.

December 08, 2020

Winter cover crop research yields positive results for environment

In humid climates, there is a high risk of topsoil loss from erosion on bare soil as well as nitrogen from fertilizers leaking or leaching from the soil into water sources, which can cause groundwater pollution.

December 07, 2020

After twenty years, Pringles® get a new Look

2020 has been the year we've all learned to adjust to change and the Pringles® brand and its iconic mascot, Mr. Pringle, is no exception: after twenty years, both get a new Look!

December 02, 2020

Key Technology Appoints John Dykstra as Director of Service Operations – Americas and Asia Pacific

Key Technology, a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, announces the appointment of John Dykstra as Director of Service Operations for North America, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

December 01, 2020

P.E.I. Potato Board elects new executive team

Wayne Townshend has been named chairman. Townshend has been on the board for five years serving as a seed director.

December 01, 2020

Presence of Potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum) confirmed in Prince Edward Island

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently confirmed the presence of potato wart in two fields on a farm in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Potato wart is a regulated quarantine pest in Canada.

November 29, 2020

US potato packer Skone & Connors installs Tong grading and washing equipment

Potato packer Skone & Connors installs Tong grading and washing equipment. The custom-built potato grading and washing solution enabled this US based company to increase their sizing capabilities of both dirty and washed crop, whilst reducing waste.

November 29, 2020

US potato imports surge

US potato imports for the first quarter of the July 2020 – June 2021 marketing year were up 19% in total, according to a news release issued by Potatoes USA.

November 23, 2020

McCain Foods Announces Canadian Retail Business Leadership Changes

McCain Foods is announcing leadership changes to its Canadian Retail Business. After a remarkable 37 years with McCain, Mike Barry, Vice President Retail Sales has decided to retire on December 31st, 2020.

PepsiCo Appoints Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni as Chief Medical Officer to protect workers, products from COVID-19

November 22, 2020

PepsiCo Appoints Chief Medical Officer to protect workers, products from COVID-19

PepsiCo, Inc. recently announced that Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD has been named the company's global Chief Medical Officer. He will oversee the company's efforts to protect its global workforce, products, and communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 20, 2020

Duravant To Acquire Cloud Packaging Solutions from Hearthside Food Solutions

Duravant LLC announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cloud Packaging Solutions from its parent company, Hearthside Food Solutions LLC.

United States Retail Potato sales exceed 5-year records

November 20, 2020

US Potato sales in retail exceed 5-year records

Record potato sales continued at US retail from July through September 2020. Total store potato sales increased by 13.6% in dollar sales and 10.6% in volume sales, compared to the same time frame in 2019.

November 16, 2020

More Snacking and Online Purchasing Expected for Holiday 2020

Two out of Three Consumers Plan to Stock Up on Snacks More Now Than Before the Pandemic, with Dips Seeing Dramatic Increase in Lead up to the Holidays Due to Convenience, According to Latest U.S. Snack Index

Pringles® Turns Up The Heat With New Scorchin' Lineup Featuring Fan-Favorite Flavors

November 13, 2020

Introducing Pringles Scorchin': a line of spicy upgrades of its popular flavours

Pringles is introducing a full collection of spicy chips dedicated to their heat-loving snack fans. The new Pringles Scorchin' lineup adds fiery heat to three Pringles originals – Cheddar, BBQ, and Chili and Lime – bringing a spicy sensation to the flavors fans already know and love.

November 13, 2020

Supported by potato industry stakeholders, Washington State University expands research on soil health

Launching new research in support of Washington potato growers, Washington State University is partnering with industry leaders to study healthier, more sustainable, and productive soils.

November 12, 2020

Utz Brands to acquire Truco Enterprises, the owner of 'On the Border' Tortilla Chips

Snack manufacturer Utz Brands, Inc. announced the acquisition of Truco Enterprises, a leading seller of tortilla chips, salsa and queso under the ON THE BORDER brand