News On French Fries and Potato Specialties from the Americas

February 21, 2012

AFFI Frozen Food Convention Matches Attendance Record

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is pleased to announce that the 2012 AFFI Frozen Food Convention in San Diego has matched the convention's all-time attendance record set two years ago. More than 1,400 members of the frozen food industry ga...

February 16, 2012

Spuds, science and success in the US

The U.S, potato industry enjoyed a lot of success in 2011, including rising consumption and a big win on a controversial proposal that would have limited spuds in school cafeterias, potato boosters say.

John Richard, the Founder of J.R. Simplot

February 15, 2012

The amazing tale of Idaho's J.R. Simplot

As with any megafortune, John Richard (J.R.) Simplot's wealth was built from a few simple but revolutionary ideas, much sweat, and a generous glossing of luck. The details of his experience, however, are singular in the extreme.

February 04, 2012

US spud industry eyes a better fry

Researchers hope to find potato varieties that form less acrylamide, a naturally occurring chemical compound, when cooked.

January 30, 2012

Mr. Dee's announces 'Steam ‘n Ready' frozen potatoes

Mr. Dee’s Inc. is announcing a new line of microwaveable frozen potatoes that feature a revolutionary packaging technology that enables the potatoes to be steamed right in their bag.

January 30, 2012

Potato shortage in Manitoba results in production cuts and potato imports from the US

A shortage of locally grown processing potatoes is threatening to make the Canadian province of Manitoba an importer of spuds for the first time in more than two decades and will lead to production cuts in at least one local processing plant.

January 27, 2012

Domestic potato demand stagnant, says CEO of McCain Foods USA

The North American potato industry continues to battle a misperception about the nutritional value of potatoes, according to the CEO of McCain Foods USA.

January 18, 2012

French fries image needs work

The French fry appears to be taking sole blame of Americans being obese.

January 16, 2012

Potatoes: The misunderstood vegetable

An image problem continues to trouble all sectors of the spud industry, according to the Alliance for Potato Research and Education

A J Bussan speaking on acrylamide at the Potato Expo 2012

January 15, 2012

US Potato industry focusing on acrylamide

The potato industry is behind a unified effort to learn more about acrylamide - which was discovered in food about ten years ago.

December 21, 2011

New Simplot plant in Idaho could cut pollutants

The new JR Simplot potato processing plant in Caldwell could emit less pollution than the facility it will replace, according to an air quality permit application.

December 19, 2011

McCain Foods launches McCain Menu Advantage

To help Canadian foodservice operators and distributors succeed in a highly competitive market, McCain Foods (Canada) has launched McCain Menu Advantage

December 14, 2011

New McDonald's ad touts quality ingredients

McDonald’s Corp. previewed a new ad campaign Wednesday on Twitter, sharing a 15-second commercial that showcases the brand’s ingredients and recognizes the farmers and ranchers in its supply chain.

December 08, 2011

French fries back as USP for QSR’s

For many years you didn’t hear much on french fries from fast food restaurants. And that has hurt the product. If there is no pride invested in the product and if there is no effort to distinguish it from the neighbour’s french fries, quality might slide, the product easily becomes a bulk item and innovation in the category suffers as consequence.

December 05, 2011

Burger King's new fries look to compete with McDonald's, Wendy's

Burger King has begun introducing new French fries in its North American franchises, hoping a revamped recipe will help it take on competitors.

December 05, 2011

Maureen Storey wants potato facts, not opinions

Maureen Storey wants doctors, dieticians and nutritionists singing the praises of potatoes. Storey heads the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) that was formed about one year ago in the US to combat the decline in potato consumption.

December 05, 2011

Today available: Burger King's new, thicker, French Fries

It’s a fry for all at BURGER KING® restaurants nationwide! Burger King Corp. is staking its claim as the authority on all things food by delivering a new golden, crispy fry that promises to create a whole new level of irresistible. The new fries at B...

November 30, 2011

2012: the next Year of the Potato

Restaurant Hospitality, a leading foodservice trade magazine reported on the top trends for 2012, according to hospitality and restaurant consultancy Andrew Freeman &Co. These are the fifth annual choices for buzz-worthy trends in restaurants, spa...