News By Region

Steve Elfering, chair of Potatoes USA board: ‘Success for the potato industry is a long game’

November 11, 2025

Steve Elfering highlights the long-term commitment of Potatoes USA to strengthen potato demand through various initiatives. These include collaborating with international companies, working with chefs to create innovative menu items, and investing in nutrition research. Potatoes USA aims to change perceptions around potatoes, educate healthcare professionals, and improve retail strategies. Elfering encourages industry involvement through board membership and participation in the Grower Survey for strategic focus.

When diseases move faster than labels: Climate change and the shifting map of blight, viruses, and nematodes

November 11, 2025

Climate change is reshaping the patterns and risks of potato diseases like late blight, viruses, and nematodes, outpacing current management strategies, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Increasing temperatures and moisture are creating unpredictable disease baselines, complicating traditional forecasting. Advanced monitoring, including machine learning and portable diagnostics, is improving disease surveillance. However, the industry faces challenges with evolving resistance and regulatory pressures.

Potatoes in the Air Fryer Age: How a countertop trend reshaped weeknight cooking and lifted crisp-at-home demand

October 30, 2025

Air fryers have revolutionized cooking habits, particularly for potatoes, by offering speed, simplicity, and perceived health benefits. Their household adoption has surged, with about 45% ownership in the UK by spring 2024. Retailers are adapting by providing dedicated air-fryer products and clear instructions. Air fryers cut energy use and enhance meal convenience, positioning potatoes as vital in quick, affordable cooking. Success requires targeted engineering and effective marketing.

From eggs to spuds: Why a cage-free shortfall is a wake-up call for potato sustainability claims

October 29, 2025

Canada’s largest grocery chains have failed to meet their 2025 cage-free egg sourcing commitments, raising concerns about sustainability and transparency in their supply chains. A Mercy For Animals report indicates that no major retailer achieved the goal, with some receiving failing scores. This situation highlights the necessity for strong standards, clear roadmaps, and verified pricing across categories, including potatoes, to maintain consumer trust and governance in sustainability efforts.

Global potato processing industry faces a turning point: Study maps technology gaps and sustainability pressures

October 16, 2025

A recent review in the journal Food analyzes the global potato-processing industry, highlighting efficiency gains and structural vulnerabilities. China leads in processing capacity, while Europe and North America excel in high-value products. Supply-chain weaknesses, particularly raw-potato reliability, hinder efficiency, and resource-intensive processes raise environmental concerns. Innovations could enhance sustainability, but market pressures demand cleaner products. The authors emphasize the need for better farm-factory integration and technology adoption for future competitiveness.

Elea PEF Chip Day 2025 showcases the future of potato chip production

October 16, 2025

On 9 October 2025, Elea Technology GmbH hosted the Elea PEF Chip Day at its Quakenbrück headquarters, showcasing innovations in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology for potato chip production. The event highlighted PEF’s efficiency, including reduced cutting force and improved product quality. Notable presentations included insights on collaborations and the launch of the Elea PEF Advantage B Micro system. The day fostered networking opportunities and emphasized Elea’s commitment to innovation within the industry.

What the 2017 potato season can teach us this year

October 15, 2025

The potato market faces challenges reminiscent of 2017, mainly due to increased planted areas and favorable conditions resulting in surplus crops. Although the EU-4 processing area and demand have expanded, exports, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, have declined significantly. Despite higher contract prices, growers struggle to remain profitable amid rising production costs. Market recovery hinges on improving fries exports to restore overall performance in the sector.

The quiet heroes: A tribute to the parents of disabled children

October 11, 2025

By Lukie Pieterse, Potato News Today Some loves are spoken aloud. Others live in silence, expressed in gestures so ordinary they nearly go unnoticed. A hand adjusting a blanket at dawn. A parent whispering calm through a meltdown that shakes the house. The love of parents raising disabled children belongs […]

When the hand that could harm chooses to spare: The spade, the vole, and the moment we choose mercy

October 8, 2025

When longtime reader Kevin O’Neill uncovered a vole’s nest while gardening, he paused instead of striking — a moment of mercy that changed how he viewed life around him. His reflection inspired this piece by Lukie Pieterse on restraint, empathy, kindness, and the quiet wisdom that comes from living close to the land. It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest act of compassion reveals the deepest truth about what it means to coexist.

‘Food for Tomorrow’: National Geographic Society and PepsiCo launch new program focused on regenerative agriculture

October 7, 2025

Last month, the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo launched the Food for Tomorrow program, focusing on regenerative agriculture to inspire change in the global food system. With a vision for sustainable farming practices, the initiative aims to support farmers and protect the planet amidst looming environmental challenges. Collaborating on storytelling and scientific projects, they target healthier, resilient food systems while funding research and community engagement efforts worldwide.

AI in the potato cellar: Predicting pressure bruise, sugar ends, sprout breaks and more before they happen

October 7, 2025

Sensors and machine learning are enhancing potato storage management by enabling predictive control to prevent quality loss, reducing energy expenses and downgrades. Key focus areas include monitoring environmental factors, improving actionable alerts, and integrating historical farming data. Successful implementations show significant energy savings and reduced shrinkage, though legacy storage limitations and sensor calibration issues pose challenges. Overall, predictive techniques promise more effective storage practices for maintaining potato quality.

Potato Newswire Today: Weather, markets, oversupply issues and more – a tumultuous season for the global potato industry

October 4, 2025

The potato industry faces diverse challenges globally. In Ireland, bruising risks threaten the 2025 harvest amid a dry summer. Rwanda’s innovative ‘sandponic technology’ promises increased food security. New Zealand’s Proper Crisps may close its factory, risking local jobs. Latvia suffers a potato crisis due to heavy rains, while South Africa deals with oversupply and plummeting prices. Additionally, hailstorms in Mallorca significantly damaged crops, prompting calls for disaster aid.

Emerald Packaging and Walmart launch new 30% PCR potato bag in partnership with Idaho Package and Wada Farms

October 1, 2025

Emerald Packaging and Walmart have introduced a pioneering packaging solution for the potato industry, featuring 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Developed with Idaho Package and Wada Farms, this initiative supports Walmart’s Project Gigaton, aiming to cut one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Trials began in autumn 2024, and successful outcomes led to the launch of several SKUs, significantly reducing virgin polyethylene use.

Global potato market shift: Europe’s oversupply, North America’s contract discipline, and Asia’s rise as a frozen-fry powerhouse

October 1, 2025

The global potato industry is experiencing significant change in 2025, with record acreage in the EU and increased exports from China, India, and Egypt reshaping supply and demand. Europe faces oversupply and price declines, while North America opts for discipline over expansion. Meanwhile, emerging markets leverage their advantages. Climate risk complicates the landscape, prompting adaptation among growers striving for stability amidst heightened competition.