Latest News From Potatoes

Soil Health Institute becomes the fourth environmental nongovernmental organization to join PSA, while Walther Farms and DeGroot’s Vegetable Farms joined as grower associates.

When subjected to cold temperatures, potatoes convert starch to sugar which can darken the flesh and create a carcinogenic compound during high-temperature processing.

Luke Parr, farm manager for Michigan-based Sackett Ranch, says the Tomra optical sorting machines can do multiple processes at once.

Amazables are oven-crispy-skin-style microwavable U.S. No. 1 grade russet potatoes, available with two custom sauces created exclusively by Litehouse.

As the potato industry eyes its role in the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, those in the industry say marketers should focus on nutritional benefits and trends to grow interest among younger shoppers.

Jim Ehrlich, the 2024 Potato Person of the Year, was recognized for his work advocating for the potato industry in Colorado and nationally. The award is co-sponsored by The Packer and the National Potato Council.

The National Potato Council’s latest economic findings show a current $4.78 billion value in economic activity, which could grow by more than 21% with the opening of new market access.

A Michigan State University report published by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission shows potatoes as the second-largest specialty crop grown in the state.

Production of vegetable and pulse crop production is projected to grow only by 4% between 2022 and 2033, the USDA said in its long-term outlook report.

The company will introduce a 3-pound mesh pillow pack for its Honey Gold, Ruby Sensation and Sunburst Blend potatoes.

The brand says the design change comes as shopper demand increases for healthy, convenient and cost-effective meals.

The fresh potato grower and packager says it will offer its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, Crawfish Medley Pack and Crawfish Gold Pack to retailers, along with additional sales support.

The commission's new marketing highlights the nutritional benefits of eating potatoes.

The USDA has recently reviewed a lowered-glucose potato and three other plants modified using genetic engineering.

Los Angeles-based Progressive Produce is highlighting its commitment to health and wellness through its Nature's Bounty Organic program.

Only days remain until the Feb. 2 nomination deadline. Help honor a deserving member of the potato-growing community by submitting their name today!

Researchers at Penn State University discovered a new strain of blackleg, also known as soft rot, in potatoes sampled in the state. Blackleg can lead to significant loses for farmers.

JC Cheyne sells over 70 different items, including a variety of potatoes and onions, to more than 80 retail, foodservice and wholesale establishments throughout California.

The Idaho Potato Commission’s annual retail display contest will award three grand prize winners a Traeger Meat Smoker and complete smoking kit.

AUSTIN, Texas — The National Potato Council is reporting a record-breaking year for its Potato Expo 2024, which drew 2,320 attendees and 216 exhibitors to the Austin Convention Center, Jan. 10-11.

The program is set for July 15-18 at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pa. Applications are being accepted through March 1 and are open to anyone in the U.S. potato industry.

Patrick Mills joins the commission as retail promotion director for the West and Canada following Kent Beasley's retirement.

New foliar-applied product specifically targets the Colorado potato beetle, which has shown resistance to conventional pesticides.

After tight supplies of elevated pricing for 2022 apple and potato crops, the 2023 season is bringing price relief and promotion opportunities to consumers.

The versatile potato is one fresh produce commodity that consumers turn to when they are faced with grocery price inflation, The Packer's Fresh Trends 2024 survey reveals.

A new medley variety pack from Southwind Farms is now available, says Derek Peterson, vice president of sales and operations for Wilcox Fresh, Rexburg, Idaho.

Make room in the shopping cart for the mighty potato.

U.S. fresh potato exports soared 16% in the 12 months from October 2022 through September 2023, USDA trade numbers say.

NoKota Packers is locked and loaded for the 2023-24 season, says Carissa Olsen, president and CEO of the Buxton, N.D.-based marketer.

Great potato promotion opportunities for Idaho potatoes will abound in 2024, says Eric Beck, director of marketing for Idaho Falls, Idaho-based Wada Farms Marketing Group.

Potato movement has been good throughout the Red River Valley at the start of this season.

Ranking second only to tomatoes among vegetables in retail sales, U.S. retail potato sales topped $3.78 billion in 2022, up 15.3% compared with 2021.

Based on market conditions in early December, the 2023-24 season is setting up to be a very good year for potato promotions.

The Packer's Fresh Trends 2024 consumer survey reveals demographic variables in households that tend to point to higher fresh potato purchases.

The grower of potatoes and onions discusses its volume and quality as consumers prepare to celebrate over meals with family and friends.

Plenty of potatoes should be available for holiday repasts this year, and ample volume should mean favorable prices for consumers.

Grower-shippers say onion volume has inched upward this season, and plenty of good-quality onions should be available for the holidays and beyond.

A researcher at the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture has developed a potato plant that can detect gamma radiation.

The Packer caught up with Northland Potato Growers Association on camera at IFPA’s recent Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about what makes potatoes from the Red River Valley unique.

Edmonton, Alberta-based The Little Potato Co. is seeking to make the holiday season even brighter with its “A Little Holiday Happiness Is …” campaign.

The price-friendly potato is nutritious and versatile in meals — but be sure to maximize your opportunities when advertising a sale, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Recent analysis shows that the potato category gives retailers untapped opportunities to drive additional customer engagement.

Maine potato growers say shoppers perceive consumer bags — especially one size in particular — as a convenient, value-priced way to purchase potatoes.

Merchandising displays need to be more thoughtful than a simple pile o’ taters.

In general, the supply outlook for Idaho potatoes is much improved, says Ryan Bybee, sales manager for GPOD of Idaho. “The volume of acreage rebounded considerably from a year ago."

For many of the foodservice buyers on a recent harvest tour hosted by the Idaho Potato Commission, there was one aspect of Idaho russet potatoes that they kept returning to as they explored the dusty fields of potatoes.

From the last week of October through the end of the year, grocers can participate in MountainKing’s Butter Potato Bash by merchandising the company’s 5-pound Butter Reds, 5-pound Butter Golds and 5-pound Butter Creams.

Led by growth in shipments to Mexico, U.S. fresh potato exports for the year ending in August were up 18%.

Some rainy weather disrupted the start of Maine’s fall potato harvest, but digging seemed to be progressing satisfactorily by late September.

The early numbers speak to a larger potato crop in Idaho for the 2023-24 season, and that means more affordable potatoes and greater promotion opportunities for retailers.