Potato News from the United States

August 25, 2014

Saratoga Chips sees strong growth under new ownership

Saratoga Chips, America’s first kettle chip, has achieved strong growth since new owners purchased the company in the summer of 2013.

August 25, 2014

Potandon Produce Takes The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Potandon Produce is stepping up to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and make a donation to the ALS Association. Steve Ottum, COO at Potandon threw down the gauntlet.

August 25, 2014

Snack Food Association releases Statement on Sodium and Cardiovascular Disease Studies

“Research released on sodium and cardiovascular disease in today’s [August 14] New England Journal of Medicine adds to the national discussion of sodium's role in the American diet,” says Snack Food Association (SFA) CEO Tom Dempsey.

Strike at Simplot Grand Forks ended as a deal is reached

August 25, 2014

Strike at Simplot Grand Forks over as deal is reached

Workers at the J.R. Simplot Co. potato processing plant in Grand Forks have reached a contract agreement with the company after being on strike for almost three weeks.

August 23, 2014

Fresh Solutions Network Side Delights Gourmet Petite Potato Product Line Awarded

Fresh Solutions Network has been named as a finalist for the 2014 PMA Impact Awards in Excellence in Packaging for their innovation and excellence in the Side Delights Gourmet Petite potato product line.

Amy Burdett, Marketing Operations Director, USPB

August 23, 2014

Amy Burdett Joins US Potato Board as Marketing Operations Director

The United States Potato Board (USPB) is pleased to announce Amy Burdett has joined its staff as Marketing Operations Director in the Denver office.

August 19, 2014

Northern Ireland: Potato industry agree to collect potato promotion funding

The Ulster Farmers Union has held a meeting with potato industry stakeholders to discuss the best way forward for the industry with potato packers, merchants and producers agreeing that a promotions and marketing campaign is needed to address the continual decline in potato consumption.

August 19, 2014

Burger King Stores Discontinue Satisfries as Sales Fizzle

After less than a year of being on the menu, Burger King is getting rid of its lower-calorie french fries, called Satisfries, at most of its restaurants.

August 11, 2014

Simplot Aberdeen closure delayed once again

The J.R. Simplot plant in Aberdeen is still up and running, after it was scheduled to officially close its doors on July 31, but a delay in the start-up of the production in the new Caldwell plant has it rescheduled to close Sept. 2.

The poor performance occurred during the company’s global sponsorship of the World Cup.

August 11, 2014

McDonalds reports worst monthly results in more than a decade

McDonald’s Corp. reported Friday its worst monthly same-store sales results in more than 10 years as it continues to be hammered by supplier woes in China and consumer malaise at home.

Gary Rodkin at launch "Conagra Foods you love" in 2010 (Courtesy: Bailey Lauerman)

August 11, 2014

Gary Rodkin, ConAgra Foods CEO, Announces Intent to Retire

ConAgra Foods, Inc., announced today that Gary M. Rodkin, chief executive officer, has informed the ConAgra Foods Board of Directors of his intention to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year, May 2015

August 10, 2014

Sub surface drip irrigation saves water, fertilizer

A Florida-based potato farmer who recently won an award for his sustainable irrigation methods firmly believes all farmers should adopt the system for the good of the planet.

August 07, 2014

Strike at Simplot Grand Forks Potato Processing Plant

After a day-long union meeting, employees of J.R. Simplot went on strike, picketing outside the potato processing plant in Grand Forks at about 6 p.m. Monday.

August 06, 2014

Make the Perfect Potato Salad with help of the Idaho Potato Commission

With more than 100 potato salads in its rich recipe database, as well as tips from the experts and how-to videos, the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) website is your top resource for this popular summer side dish.

August 06, 2014

Lawsuit challenging Kettle Chip 'Reduced Fat' Claim Will Proceed

The makers of Kettle brand chips persuaded a federal judge to dismiss claims that its 'reduced fat sea salt chips' were falsely advertised, though the judge gave the plaintiff leave to amend his complaint.

August 05, 2014

McDonald's tests Shakin' Flavor Fries in Greater Philadelphia Region

McDonald's restaurants throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region were selected as a test market for Shakin' Flavor Fries, starting August 4.

August 03, 2014

Simplot outlines Innate marketing strategy

The J.R. Simplot Co. expects USDA approval for its genetically modified Innate potatoes within the next two months. Simplot Plant Sciences Director of Commercialization Kerwin Bradley outlined the strategy for marketing the potatoes at the Potato Association of America meeting in Spokane.

July 30, 2014

Healthier Habits Haven't Stopped the Doritos and Cheetos Snack Boom

Revenue from its Frito-Lay division increased 2 percent in North America, according to an earnings report released Wednesday, while beverage sales in the region remained flat.