Patatas Melendez: Leading the Next Generation of Post-Harvest Potato Handling

Patatas Meléndez, Spain’s leading fresh potato supplier, partnered with Wyma to develop one of the world’s most advanced Industry 4.0 post-harvest facilities—featuring AI-powered sorting, real-time data monitoring, full automation, and intelligent maintenance systems. The result sets a new benchmark for efficiency, product care, and digital integration in the potato industry. 

A Vision to Lead Europe’s Potato Sector

Patatas Meléndez is a leading company in the cultivation, selection, and distribution of potatoes in Spain, with a bold vision to lead the European market. Building on strong technological foundations, the company set out to transform its operations by developing a fully automated, digitally integrated post-harvest facility in Medina del Campo. Their goal: to handle potatoes with the care of fruit while maximising efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Project Overview

To realise their vision, Patatas Melendez partnered with a select group of technology providers. Wyma was selected to supply and integrate a custom-designed wash line and key elements of the packing line.

Wyma delivered: 

• Tailored turnkey line design based on production, product, and data requirements
• Gentle handling equipment including washing, drying, and optical grading systems
• Smart automation to reduce manual labour and maximise traceability
• Seamless installation and commissioning with on-site and remote support
• Ongoing technical service and spare parts supply

Wyma Smart palletising lines double output to 130 pallets/hour while improving ergonomics and operator safety

Key Outcomes

• Packaging capacity doubled from 65 to 130 pallets per hour
• 17% reduction in energy consumption
• 30% reduction in water use through recycling and treatment systems
• Improved worker safety and lower accident rates
• Enhanced product quality with minimal handling damage
• Real-time data insights to optimise field-to-factory decision making

The Challenge

The company faced the challenge of modernising its operations in a traditionally fragmented industry. To become the benchmark for potato processing in Europe, Patatas Melendez needed to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and deliver consistently high-quality products—without compromising sustainability or safety.

AI-powered optical sorters ensure consistent quality grading—detecting size, shape, and surface defects in real time

The Solution 

Wyma worked closely with the Patatas Melendez team across all departments—from engineering to quality and IT—to co-design a solution that aligned with every aspect of their business. Together, the two companies developed a fully automated line with:

• Low-impact transport via water channels and gentle conveyors
• AI-powered optical sorting for quality grading
• Smart packaging and palletising lines
• Built-in digitalisation to improve traceability, monitoring, and response times

Why Wyma?

Wyma stood out for its machinery and its ability to deliver an end-to-end solution. From consultation and design to ongoing support, Wyma was deeply involved in every project phase.

Javier Melendez, CEO of Patatas Melendez:

"We spent a long time researching global partners. Wyma gave us confidence—not just through their technology, but because of their reputation, experience, and full-service approach."

A Benchmark for the Industry

Patatas Melendez’s new plant is now one of the most advanced in Europe—and possibly the world. With 14 packaging lines, two fully automated washing lines, and built-in artificial intelligence, the facility combines scale with precision. 

It’s a showcase for what the future of potato processing looks like: smart, sustainable, and deeply connected. 

Francisco Javier Perez, Engineering Director at Patatas Melendez:

"This is the most efficient potato processing facility in the world—and Wyma has been a key part of that achievement."

Looking Ahead

The partnership doesn’t end here. Patatas Melendez plans to further expand its washing and packaging capacity and is exploring new markets across Northern Europe and Asia. 

Javier Melendez, CEO:

"We’ve built in space for growth, and we see Wyma as a long-term partner in that journey."