Promotion/Marketing

First International Potato Symposium: Europe’s potato sector calls for closer cooperation as climate and market pressures mount

The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid on October 5 gathered approximately 250 professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities within the potato sector. Organized by FEPEX and Europatat, the event focused on production, market developments, plant health, and sustainability. Key speakers addressed the complexities of potato production amidst climate change and resource pressures. The symposium emphasized collaboration across the value chain to address shared challenges and ensure a strong European potato sector in future policy discussions.

October 8, 2026

‘Planting the seed’: New Potatoes New Zealand partnership celebrates potatoes, people and the next generation

Potatoes New Zealand has partnered with Garden to Table to promote food education on the International Day of Potato. This collaboration aims to connect young New Zealanders to their food’s origins, emphasizing the versatility and nutrition of potatoes. Through hands-on programs in schools, the initiative teaches children about growing and preparing food, fostering a genuine appreciation for food and local growers while instilling lifelong skills and confidence.

May 29, 2026

Tasmanian potato price negotiations clouded by fuel uncertainty

Tasmanian potato growers are negotiating prices for the 2026/27 crop amidst concerns about diesel supply. Premier Jeremy Rockliff recently confirmed stable fuel supplies but emphasized the need for farmers’ involvement in contingency planning. TasFarmers expressed the importance of clarity regarding supply risks. The government has activated an incident management team and is prioritizing critical sectors, monitoring fuel stocks, and preparing allocation plans if necessary.

April 16, 2026

Urschel to debut Little Gem Aspire Dicer at major global food processing trade shows in 2026

Urschel will unveil the Little Gem Aspire Dicer, a cutting-edge machine for fruit and vegetable processing, at several upcoming trade shows starting in May 2026. This innovative dicer, developed by the Urschel I&D team, features patented technology for precision cuts and a compact design. The new model builds on the legacy of the original Little Gem, a groundbreaking invention from the early 1900s. Further details will be available on Urschel’s website.

April 16, 2026

Bord Bia: Social media ‘influencing growing interest in potatoes’ in Ireland

Social media and digital food trends are significantly boosting interest in potatoes, says Bord Bia’s horticulture team. Trends like loaded jacket potatoes and cheese-stuffed sweet potatoes have gained traction among users. Younger consumers use digital platforms for recipe inspiration, relying heavily on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This illustrates a responsive audience and highlights opportunities for repositioning potatoes in modern meal solutions.

April 6, 2026

America’s 250th kicks off with 250,000 Idaho potatoes in record-breaking display

In celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday, the Idaho Potato Commission and County Fair Foods revealed the world’s largest Idaho® potato display, featuring 250,000 potatoes, symbolizing America’s agricultural legacy. Unveiled before National Tater Day, the display represents the significant role of Idaho potatoes in American diets. The event, also supporting hunger relief through Feeding South Dakota, showcased community spirit and local pride while honoring American farmers and the nation’s history.

March 31, 2026

Black Gold Farms plants potatoes in Washington for National Agriculture Day

Black Gold Farms participated in the Farm Journal Foundation’s Voice of the Farmer Garden event on National Agriculture Day in Washington. Chairman Gregg Halverson and family members joined industry leaders to plant seed potatoes, emphasizing agriculture’s critical role in the U.S. economy. The initiative aims to connect consumers with farmers, highlighting the importance of food security. Black Gold Farms remains committed to advocating for growers and strengthening American agriculture.

March 30, 2026

Making trade easier: Export opportunities for Canadian fresh potatoes to Mexico

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has agreed with Mexico’s SENASICA to facilitate the export of Canadian potatoes to Mexico, enhancing market opportunities for the Canadian potato sector. This agreement, part of Canada’s strategy to expand international trade, followed Minister Heath MacDonald’s successful trade mission to Mexico. Potatoes are significant to Canada’s agriculture, with exports exceeding $3.7 billion in 2024/2025. The CFIA will support growers in compliance and market access.

March 25, 2026

New UI Extension curriculum highlights Idaho’s iconic potatoes

Third graders at Harold B. Lee Elementary School gave varied responses to the question of potato origins during a visit from Cherie Carter of the University of Idaho Extension 4-H. Carter introduced the ePotato curriculum, focusing on Idaho’s agriculture and designed for grades three through five. The program includes hands-on lessons about potato cultivation, nutrition, and regional importance, aiming to improve students’ agricultural awareness and appreciation.

March 25, 2026

New specialist reference work launched for the global potato sector: The Global Potato Industry Dictionary now available

The Global Potato Industry Dictionary is now available in softcover / ebook as a new specialist reference for the global potato sector. Compiled by Potato News Today editor Lukie Pieterse, the 696-page volume offers plain-language guidance across production, storage, processing, trade, sustainability, technology, seed, breeding, and more. Designed for professionals, students, and industry stakeholders, the book aims to strengthen practical understanding across the international potato value chain.

March 23, 2026

The Little Potato Company marks 30 years of innovation with anniversary logo unveiling

The Little Potato Company celebrates its 30th anniversary by launching a new logo symbolizing its growth and mission to “Feed the World, Better.” Founded in 1996, it has evolved from a small father-daughter business to a trusted North American brand known for quality, sustainability, and innovation. CEO Angela Santiago reflects on the journey, emphasizing gratitude for their partners and commitment to family values and thoughtful growth. Celebrations and campaigns are planned for 2026.

February 19, 2026

Albert Bartlett expands range with White Roosters: Limited-edition line is going into Sainsbury’s nationwide

Albert Barlett has introduced a limited-edition White Rooster potato bag, as reported by Michael Barker on Fruitnet. Available in 1.5kg bags at select Sainsbury’s stores in the UK, this variant complements the Red Rooster range. It boasts a light, fluffy texture and smooth white skin, making it versatile for various dishes and positioning it as a strong alternative to the Maris Piper.

February 16, 2026

The EU acreage squeeze: A defining season for supply, trade, and processor strategy

This article examines potato acreage reduction across the European Union as a central issue for the current marketing cycle. It outlines how fewer planted hectares may tighten raw supply, increase competition among processors and buyers, and raise volatility in contract and spot pricing. It also explores likely consequences for trade flows, grower decision-making, and risk management, emphasizing the need for early planning, realistic yield assumptions, and disciplined procurement strategies across the value chain.

February 16, 2026

Michigan chip potatoes can now be shipped to South Korea after nearly 20-year effort

Michigan potato growers, along with those from ten other states, have gained expanded access to the South Korean market for table stock and chipping potatoes, as reported by Michigan Farm News. This development marks a significant milestone after a 19-year effort, previously allowing only certain states access. The National Potato Council estimates the fresh potato market in Korea could grow substantially, enhancing export opportunities under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

January 30, 2026

Urschel to feature DiversaCut 2110A dicer and KRONEN GS 10-2 slicer at Food Processing Expo 2026

Urschel will attend the California League of Food Producers Food Processing Expo in Sacramento, California, February 4 – 5, 2026, showcasing two cutting systems for food processors: the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer with built-in discharge conveyor and the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer. Urschel says the DiversaCut supports continuous, high-capacity slicing, dicing, stripping and shredding, while the KRONEN unit offers gentle, adjustable cutting and washdown-friendly stainless design.

January 16, 2026

FPS Food Process Solutions targets global food manufacturing and technology market with major expansions around the world

FPS Food Process Solutions is expanding globally, targeting the food manufacturing and technology market. In January 2026, FPS MEA will open a logistics center in Morocco, while GEM Equipment in Oregon is renovating its facility, expected to be completed by Spring 2026. Other expansions include locations in Brazil, China, and Europe, enhancing FPS’s capacity to innovate and advance food manufacturing by the end of 2026.

January 14, 2026

NPC urges USTR to open fact-finding probe into Canadian potato trade practices

The National Potato Council says its Executive Committee unanimously approved a December 19, 2025 resolution asking the U.S. Trade Representative to launch a Section 332 fact-finding investigation into Canadian potato trade practices. NPC points to British Columbia’s more-than-40-year measure limiting U.S. potato exports – mainly from Washington – and says recent enhancements have caused millions in reported losses. The council also cites Midwest grower concerns about subsidies.

January 6, 2026

Potato News Today launches a Living Dictionary for the Global Potato Industry

Potato News Today is launching the Living Dictionary of the Potato Industry, curated and compiled by Lukie Pieterse. This practical, plain-language reference hub is designed to help potato professionals across the value chain align terminology and reduce confusion. The Dictionary launches with an initial 800 core terms – 100 terms in each of eight sections – covering everything from agronomy and storage to trade, crop protection, sustainability, and data. It will expand over time, with reader suggestions welcomed.

December 13, 2025

Global frozen potato brand Lamb Weston brings crispy fries to Singapore

Lamb Weston celebrates its 75th anniversary by launching a retail range in Singapore, its first entry into Southeast Asia, offering four fry styles exclusively at FairPrice. The fries feature the innovative Stealth™ batter for enhanced crispiness and are Halal-certified, vegan, and gluten-free. The company emphasizes sustainability with thinner packs made from renewable materials. Introductory offers and sampling events will promote these products, showcasing Lamb Weston’s commitment to quality and innovation in home dining.

November 20, 2025

Traceability on trial: Is blockchain and end-to-end tracking finally useful for potatoes, or just expensive?

Potato traceability is maturing, but value depends on execution, not buzzwords. Most gains come from standards-led, batch-level tracking using GS1/EPCIS and cloud platforms; blockchain adds weight mainly when retailers mandate consumer-facing transparency. Benefits include faster, narrower recalls, better supplier performance data, and selective brand trust. Costs, data quality, and network coordination remain hurdles. Expect QR codes on processed SKUs, with fresh supply chains prioritizing behind-the-scenes interoperability rather than item-level traceability.

November 12, 2025

Fresh vs processed potatoes globally: Is the table potato losing ground, or just changing shape?

The global potato market isn’t declining but evolving, with fresh and processed formats gaining and losing share respectively. While fresh potato consumption declines in many regions, processed varieties, particularly frozen products, are thriving. Retail strategies increasingly focus on convenience and premium offerings. As emerging markets grow, so does the importance of adapting to local consumer needs, indicating a shift in how potatoes are presented and consumed worldwide.

November 12, 2025

National Potato Council expresses disappointment on Japan fresh market access

The National Potato Council (NPC) expresses disappointment at the lack of U.S. market access for fresh potatoes in the recent U.S.-Japan agreement, citing Japan’s three-decade delays. NPC CEO Kam Quarles notes the missed opportunity to leverage Trump’s tariffs against Japanese protectionism. The economic impact on U.S. farms is significant, with losses exceeding $750 million. Dr. Julie Callahan recognizes Japan’s delays as a non-tariff barrier, emphasizing the need for policy change.

October 31, 2025

FAM STUMABO extends global footprint to enhance local service and customer support

FAM STUMABO is expanding its international operations with new facilities in Spain, Germany, and the United States, emphasizing localized service and growth. The new sites, including a headquarters in Franklin, Wisconsin, enhance customer support, technical assistance, and onsite testing capabilities. The expansion aims to strengthen customer relationships by integrating services and providing tailored solutions, enabling rapid response to market demands while maintaining product quality through advanced testing facilities.

October 9, 2025

Lay’s launches new brand identity and ingredient overhaul to spotlight the potato at its core

Lay’s, owned by PepsiCo, has revealed its most significant redesign in 90 years, focusing on ingredient transparency and celebrating its agricultural roots. The brand has modernized its logo and packaging while committing to remove artificial flavors and colors by 2025. Lay’s collaborates with over 100 family farms across North America. These changes mark a strategic shift toward authenticity and sustainability, aiming to enhance consumer trust in the brand’s legacy.

October 9, 2025

Mixed yields and contract reliance define Ireland and Europe’s 2025 potato season

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) indicates a stable potato market, highlighted by improved sales for packing quality potatoes amid quality concerns and limited free-buy activity. While many growers face challenges with higher tare levels and skin cracking, consumption remains steady. Across Europe, processing crop lifting is progressing, with some quality downgrades redirecting potatoes to alternative uses. Overall, market dynamics suggest tighter margins for growers in the coming season.

October 9, 2025