Potato News

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.

PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division will invest $159 million in Frankfort, Indiana to enhance its current operations at two locations in this US city. The investment will add two new snack production lines and also include warehouse expansion, providing 50 new jobs.

The total area in Great Britain planted with potatoes is estimated at 119,000 hectares(ha), a fall of three per cent on the previous year. This would represent the third-lowest planted area on record, with an agricultural drought likely to affect yields.

Estudiantes del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México (IPN) crearon un bioplástico a partir de la cáscara de papa, que tarda de 4-5 meses en degradarse y ayuda a reducir los residuos sólidos urbanos generados por la sociedad mexicana.

Earlier this month, KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group, announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Popchips Ltd, which owns and operates the Popchips brand for Europe.

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

David Rodgers, growing potatoes in normally lush and fertile North Co Dublin says the unprecedented conditions over recent weeks – from an exceptionally cold spring to a record-breaking hot summer – have forced his potato plants into “shutting down”.

Potato Growers on Prince Edward Island report they are planting more mustard than ever this year.

Earlier this month Texas A&M held its annual Potato Field Day where it presented a range of new potato varieties.

Los pequeños productores de la región tropical de Bolivia han asumido el reto de sembrar papa, un cultivo propio de la región altiplánica del país, en lo que supone un desafío a la naturaleza y una lucha constante con el clima adverso.

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.

McCain, the UK’s number one frozen potato brand, has announced that Nick Vermont will be retiring from the business after a 35-year career at McCain Foods. Howard Snape will replace Nick as regional president, McCain Foods GB and Ireland.