Potato News from Australia

Farmers have rejected a second price offer made by food manufacturer Simplot for their potato crop this season.

Simplot Australia has announced an AUD 65 million (about USD 44 million) upgrade to its Bathurst manufacturing facility and acquisiton of farming land in the Central West region of New South Wales valued at AUD 40 million.

Zerella Fresh was founded in 1936 (Virginia, South of Australia) and is since 2009 a part of the Pye Group family. Zerella is committed to being Australia’s leading supplier and marketer of fresh produce.

West-Australian Potato farmers are warning that growers will walk away from the industry as cost pressures make the staple crop unviable in Australia.

Developed by Freshlogic, the annual Horticulture Statistics Handbook includes the latest available data on 75 different categories across fruit, vegetable, nut, nursery, and cut flowers in Australia.

Nicole Stevens traveled to Australia from the United Kingdom after completing her science and tourism management studies. Her career pathway has now diverted to horticulture.

McCain Foods has installed proprietary world-leading technology in the form of a Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) generator, as part of the company’s latest upgrade to its Smithton plant in Tasmania.

Global food processing and packaging solutions specialist, tna solutions, unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system, the tna robag® 3e.

Potato and vegetable growers have vied for the title of top producers as part of Simplot's Annual Grower Awards. The Awards, which have been in place since 1997, recognize the outstanding achievements of Tasmania's potato and vegetable growers during the 2020-2021 harvest.

The multi-generational farmer's passion for the simple spud seems to have paid off, helping secure growers like himself an additional $9 a tonne deal with major food manufacturer Simplot over the coming financial year.

Australian vegetable and potato industry body AUSVEG has announced the appointment of Michael Coote as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2021.

Pringles has unveiled a new range of veggie-inspired chips in Australia, including purple sweet potato with sea salt and tomato with mozzarella and herbs.

Over three decades, the Tasmania based company Agronico has shifted its focus from an agriculture consultancy business to all things mini tubers and seed potatoes.

The much-awaited return of ‘McCain Smiles’ to Australia is here with just half the traditional cooking time. Now that’s something to smile about.

The post-Covid economy is driving strong growth for Australian vegetable producers. Fueled by the increase in consumer demand for fresh vegetables, Australian growers have chosen to invest significantly in improving their post-harvest operations.

Australia’s oldest and most iconic chip brand, Smith’s, is celebrating its 90th birthday. As the country's favorite chip brand for almost a century, Smith's has been a pantry staple and mainstay at BBQs, picnics, and parties for 90 years!

The World Potato Congress is extremely pleased to present its next webinar on Tuesday, April 6, 2021/Wednesday, April 7, 2021, with Dr. Paul Horne, Entomologist, and owner and Director of IPM Technologies Pty Ltd., Hurstbridge, Victoria, Australia.

Innovative, specialist fresh potato producers Terrence and Wendy Rattray are diversifying after buying Perfecta Produce and further expanding the substantial agricultural business in the fertile North-West food bowl.