Industry News - wk ending 29 July ‘22
Potato News - North America
IDWR Mid-Season Methodology Order Predicts 52,600 Acre-Foot Water Shortfall For Snake River; Junior Ground Water Users Face Curtailment
The Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) issued a final mid-season methodology order Thursday for Snake River ground water users, reducing the predicted shortfall to 52,600-acre feet of water to senior priority surface water users in the Eastern Snake River Plain (ESPA) region in the 2022 irrigation season.
Storage Potatoes Running Out As Summer Red, Yellow Volume Rises
In its weekly crop report this week, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 warned that remaining storage potato supplies are extremely limited in Idaho, Oregon and Washington and may be depleted by the end of July.
Potatoes from southern Colorado could soon be shipped to Mexico
U.S. farmers started shipping fresh potatoes into the Mexican interior in May, about 20 years after an initial deal was signed between the two countries.
Report: Sharp rise in input costs, increased holding levels impacting planted potato acreage in Canada
Earlier this month Statistics Canada released their first estimate of potato acreage in Canada as a result of data obtained from their survey of potato growers in Canada. The 2022 potato acreage is estimated at 385,128 acres. This is almost flat compared to 2021, only 242 acres more.
Canada: Potato wart found in another Prince Edward Island field
Potato wart was detected in a field on Prince Edward Island last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed.
Idaho potato crop catching up after cold start
Idaho’s potato crop has caught up well after wet, cold weather during planting and emergence seasons delayed its start. As Brad Carlson reports for Capital Press, Declo-area grower Mark Darrington liked what he saw during recent test digs: tubers, in contrast to the “big crop of vines” of one variety that produced poorly in last year’s drought and early, prolonged high heat.
Potato News - Overseas
Heatwave could impact price of British potatoes
Hospitality venues could see a rise in the price of potatoes after last week’s heatwave potentially damaged the quality of some crop, a supplier has warned.
IFA: Heat stopped maincrop growth in Ireland, dry and hot weather expected to continue in Europe
Consumption and sales of potatoes have picked up this week in Ireland as temperatures settle back to average levels, according to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Queens continue to be lifted across the country and again quality and yields are reported to be very good.
400 thousand tons of potatoes will be produced in the Moscow region this year
The Moscow region is increasing the production of its own vegetables, which will cover the needs of the region and ensure its food security in this area. This was reported in the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the region.
Logistics News
Ocean container rates now 35% down from last year’s peak
According to the World Container Index tracking indicator from shipping analytics watchdog Drewry, this marks the 22nd consecutive weekly decrease. Rates are down 28% from the same week in 2021.
Viewpoint: Why Europe is so important to the empty-container supply
The growing congestion in Europe is a leading indicator of empty-container constriction. Logistics officials tell American Shipper there are two-thirds more containers waiting in Europe than on the East Coast.
Diesel Drops 16.4¢ in Latest Double-Digit Decline
Diesel’s national average price continued its downward path, shedding 16.4 cents to $5.268, according to Energy Information Administration data released July 25.
Food Industry News
Questions arise over vitamin D intake, avoidance of fractures
A study appearing online July 28 in The New England Journal of Medicine casts doubt on whether high doses of vitamin D for consumers age 50 and over have any positive effects on avoiding fractures.
Supplier perspectives: Addressing the grain supply chain
Snack and bakery industry supply-chain dynamics have taken a prominent position in discussions over the past couple of years. Complications generally related to the American workforce, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have particularly exacerbated supply issues related to core ingredients used in snack and bakery products.
Top trends influencing global cuisines
Consumers seeking to experiment with new flavors and cuisines are turning to international flavors that satisfy their appetite for adventure. Globally influenced dishes are driving menu and retail innovation as consumers embrace culinary exploration, transportive flavors, and new food experiences.
Are You Smarter Than an FDA Label?
The FDA now has an interactive online quiz on the new label and its tweaks. Feeling confident – after all, I cover the food industry for a living – I embarked.
Supplier perspectives: Chip trends
While snacking is the new normal, sales of salty snacks in particular saw notable increases over the past few years. This sales boom has included potato chips, the top segment within salty snacks. For the 52 weeks ending April 17, 2022, according to IRI, Chicago, the potato chips segment grew 6.2% to $8.9 billion, with most companies in the top 10 showing positive sales for the year (see “State of the Industry 2022: Chips continue to reign supreme” for more).
Canadian Processors, Grocers Fight Over Fees
A panel of food processing companies, some of Canada’s largest grocers, and their respective trade associations has been having discussions for about a year about what some processors say are “abusive” practices by the retailers. They’re complaining about fees and penalties for late or incomplete deliveries, which they say can amount to up to 40% of their sales. This problem reached a head during the pandemic, when many processors struggled to fill orders due to staffing problems.