Latest News From Potatoes

U.S. potato production for 2021 is down slightly compared with the 2020 crop, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s November crop production report.

The USDA commends Canada for implementing the necessary plant health (phytosanitary) measures to safeguard against the transmission of potato wart disease from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, to the United States.

The National Potato Council and grower organizations throughout the United States today welcomed the announcement by Canada to prevent the spread of potato wart from Prince Edward Island.

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board said it is "shocked" by the decision by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to suspend the certification of exports of all potatoes from Prince Edward Island to the U.S.

UPDATED: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Nov. 22 said it has suspended the movement of fresh potatoes from Prince Edward to the U.S., including fresh table stock and fresh processing potatoes. 

Yellow and petite potatoes were up in dollar and volume sales from July through September this year compared with the same quarter a year ago, according to a report on fresh potato sales from Potatoes USA.

U.S. exports of frozen potato products increased by 30% for the July – September 2021 quarter compared to 2020.

U.S. potato production for 2021 is down slightly compared with the 2020 crop, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s November crop production report.

For the past 20 years, U.S., fresh potato exports to Mexico have been limited to the region within 26 kilometers of the U.S. border.

Tasteful Selections and RPE, its exclusive sales and marketing partner since Tasteful Selections planted its first potato in 2010, announced on Nov. 10 the formation of a new entity, Tasteful Partners.

The Maine crop was harvested and under cover with great quality, said Mike Hart, director of sales and marketing for Fryeburg, Maine-based Green Thumb Farms Inc.

Side Delights offers shoppers Thanksgiving recipes and reasons or reminders to give thanks this year.

All the elements are in place for a great year for the Maine potato supply from Presque Isle-based Cambridge Farms.

During the first quarter of Potatoes USA’s Marketing Year 2022 (July - September 2021), potato sales decreased in dollars by 1.1% and in volume by 5.7% compared to the same period in 2020.

Maine potato growers experienced a down production year in 2020. Way down.

2021 is a vintage year for Maine potatoes, industry leaders believe.

The sudden resurgence of fresh potato popularity with consumers that was fueled by COVID-19 almost 18 months ago does not show any sign of slowing down soon.

Northeast potato shipper, Bushwick Commission has announced a packaging redesign for their popular Guarantee label.

Wada Farms and The Produce Moms have moved their long-time partnership onto the retail shelf with a new co-branded potato package.

New data shows volume sales of fresh Gold potatoes outpacing sales of Reds, Russets and Whites, encouraging news as growers continue to provide a promising outlook for the harvest of their yellow-flesh varieties.

Yields are down but sizes are up for Idaho potatoes this year, industry leaders report.

U.S. potato growers and industry partners from around the country are invited to the nation’s capital for the new NPC Washington Summit, Feb. 28-March 3, 2022.

Produce industry veteran Jamey Higham will become the next president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, effective in early 2022.

Whether it is the COVID-19 pandemic, strange weather, or the erratic foodservice market, the Idaho potato industry can handle it.

Side Delights announces solutions for shoppers in response to post-pandemic spending and shopping trends.

Inc. magazine revealed that Tasteful Selections ranked No. 3644 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

The marketing year that ended in June 2021 was unlike any year the potato industry has ever experienced.

Monte Vista Potato Growers Co-op Association expects a strong quality crop of San Luis Valley potatoes, said Jason Tillman, sales manager.

Monte Vista, Colo.-based Farm Fresh Direct expects more yellow potato production this year from its San Luis Valley farms, said Matt Glowczewski, sales manager.

Houston-based MountainKing expects strong quality for its fall harvest of fresh potatoes in Colorado’s San Luis Valley.

Colorado’s San Luis Valley potato shippers look for a good crop of fresh potatoes this season, with some estimates calling for slightly reduced output compared with a year ago.

Side Delights shared industry data showing that retail sales of fresh potatoes alone totaled $3.1 Billion for the past year (July 2020-June 2021).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a final rule changing the handling regulations under the federal marketing order for Irish potatoes grown in certain counties of Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon.

Tasteful Selections, leading the bite-size potato category in innovation and sustainability is pleased to announce the limited launch of its new 100-percent plastic-free, recyclable and compostable packaging.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO — The fight to get U.S. fresh potatoes into all of Mexico continues amid signs that the  Mexican potato industry is shifting tactics to deflect imports.

The transition from old crop to new crop potatoes is taking place right now, and two potato industry observers report that expected reduced fresh shipments during the 2021-22 marketing year should provide a firm market.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - Frank Muir is retiring from the Idaho Potato Commission with no regrets.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO — Trucks will continue tight for the foreseeable future and shippers need to do all they can to make themselves preferred customers, Kevin Vandenberg says.

The Packer is looking for input and insight from grower-shippers of Colorado potatoes to provide their insight on the 2021 Colorado’s San Luis Valley potato crop.

From July 2020 - June 2021, potato sales increased in dollars by 3% but declined slightly in volume by 0.3% compared to the previous July-June marketing year.

All-yellow flesh potatoes continue to rise above russets, reds and whites in the critical metric of retailer volume sales, an encouraging sign for grocers as growers ready for their upcoming fall harvests.

Eagle Eye Produce, a top tier grower and shipper of fresh produce, will start shipping new crop russet, red, and yellow potatoes from their packing facilities in Idaho this week.

Taking into consideration the record-breaking heat in some parts of the U.S., Newport Beach, Calif.-based Side Delights is offering summer solutions for shoppers to help keep kitchens cool and recipes fresh. 

Wisconsin red potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Grand Marsh, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded and packed for fresh market delivery the first full week of August. 

Harvest will pick up steam in August for the 2021 Wisconsin potato crop.

While U.S. potato retail sales from April through June declined compared with the year-ago level, they beat sales levels for the same period in 2019.

Connecting consumers to Wisconsin potatoes is an overarching goal for Dana Rady, director of promotion and communication and consumer education for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Antigo.

MountainKing Potatoes, for the first time, will offer the gourmet variety in two new package types: all-new four-count trays and sizeable ten-pounds bags for larger gatherings.

Rupert, Idaho-based potato grower-shipper Arrowhead Potato Co. and Idaho-based ProSource Produce LLC., have entered an exclusive Sales and Marketing Agreement, that will take effect on August 01, 2021.

Potandon welcomes Darin to his role as CFO of our company. Darin will be a key part of our Senior Management team as we move Potandon towards an even more significant role in the fresh produce sector.