News On French Fries and Potato Specialties

September 30, 2018

Europe's small potatoes a problem for McDonald's fries

Customers of McDonald's in Europe might find that their favorite fries are shorter than usual. Blame the weather: smaller potatoes result in shorter fries.

September 23, 2018

Simplot potato processing plant in Grand Forks damaged by fire

An equipment fire at the Simplot potato processing plant in Grand Forks, ND late last Wednesday, forced employees to evacuate and caused an estimated USD 150.000 of damage.

September 18, 2018

Potatoes Annual Summary: 2017 US Potato Production Up Slightly

Earlier this month, USDA-NASS published its annual report 'Potatoes 2017 Summary; September 2018'. The 2017 data indicate a slight increase of the total potato production in the United States compared to the previous year.

McCain Foods Recognizes Les Fermes FC Daigle As Champion Grower; a 42 year partnership

September 10, 2018

McCain Foods recognizes Les Fermes FC Daigle as Top Potato Grower for its Grand Falls Plant

Les Fermes FC Daigle Inc. of Drummond was named the 2017-2018 McCain Champion Potato Grower for Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The Daigle family has been contracting with McCain Foods for 42 years

Leavitt Farms recognized as top potato grower for McCain Foods Easton

September 03, 2018

Leavitt Farms recognized as Champion potato grower for McCain Foods Easton

The Top 10 Potato Growers for the McCain Foods Easton, Maine French Fry plant were recognized at the annual McCain Grower Barbecue at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center in Presque Isle last month

August 30, 2018

Prince Edward Island introduces 'Fries with the Works' to the world

Prince Edward Island has never kept its unique potato dish 'Fries With The Works' a closely guarded secret. But with the publication of a dedicated website and an online map, it is clear Islanders want to proudly invite EVERYONE to start enjoying.

McCain Foods Limited appoints new President of Canadian division

August 22, 2018

McCain Foods Limited appoints Danielle Barran as new President of Canadian division

McCain Foods announces the appointment of Danielle Barran to country president, McCain Foods (Canada).

August 21, 2018

Idaho Potato Commission website redesigned

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is thrilled to announce the launch of its redesigned website with more mobile-friendly formats, scroll features, modified layouts and a load-on-demand feature.

August 16, 2018

Zeracryl has developed an efficient solution for the reduction of acrylamide in french fries

The Norwegian company Zeracryl has developed an efficient solution for reduction of acrylamide in French fries.

August 14, 2018

How to measure if a potato is PEF-treated just right?

In Pulsed Electric Field Treatment of potato, the treatment intensity needs to be monitored to optimize process performance and product yield. So how can that be done?

August 14, 2018

Potato growers propose pan-European approach to resolve contract issues with processors due to extreme weather

The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) conclude that the potato production this year in North-Western Europe will be much lower than average and that quality issues will be a main challenge.

August 08, 2018

Continuing drought and extreme heat a disaster for the potato harvest and processors

The extreme heat and drought is a disaster for the upcoming potato harvest. And for processors too: in Belgium, potato chips manufacturer Roger&Roger (Croky) temporarily halts production of some its flavours to manage the lack of potato supply.

August 06, 2018

Potato Processing company J.R. Simplot acquires license for CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing technology

J.R. Simplot has acquired a license for CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene editing tools. This provides Simplot with another avenue to add desirable traits to fruits and vegetables, including potatoes.

August 06, 2018

Tasmanian potato growers want better contract with McCain Foods

A Northern Tasmanian farmer has lashed out at McCain over contract potato pricing, as Australian consumer watchdog ACCC begins an investigation into the potato processor.

August 03, 2018

UK potato processing companies say serious issues with potato supply 'extremely likely'

The Potato Processing companies in the United Kingdom have released a statement through the Potato Processors’ Association Ltd (PPA), expressing their concern for the impact of current weather conditions on UK potato processing sector.

July 30, 2018

Cavendish Farms closes Fresh Pack Facility on PEI: not enough potatoes on the island

Cavendish Farms announced today that they will close their fresh pack facility in O’Leary, Prince Edward Island due to the limited availability of potatoes on Prince Edward Island

July 27, 2018

German Potato Processing Industry Association expects crop shortage due to drought

The German Association of Fruit, Vegetables and Potato Processing Industry (BOGK) expects that the potato harvest in Germany and Europe will be significantly reduced in quantity, as well as quality compared to the previous year due to the long ongoing drought and heat wave.