Nieuws uit België

Optimum Sorting's laser technology detects hidden defects, foreign materials, wet centers, soft rot and solanine in potatoes, fries and chips, delivering high-precision sorting with 0.3 mm resolution and up to 3,333 scans per second.

FAM STUMABO will showcase its latest potato processing innovations at Interpom 2026 in Kortrijk, Belgium, from 29 November to 1 December. Highlights include the new SureTec 240P, STUMABO hydrocutting heads and the Dorphy dicer.

Belgian AI technology company Polysense has raised USD 10.7 million to expand its AI-powered quality control and process optimisation solutions, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, improve yield, and automate real-time production decisions.

NEPG reports an 11% decline in European ware potato plantings for 2026 as growers cut acreage to rebalance oversupplied markets. The group warns low contract prices and rising production costs threaten farm viability.

Europe’s potato sector faces pressure as temperatures exceed 40°C in key growing regions. With crops in critical growth stages, prolonged heat and drought could cut yields, affect quality, and increase irrigation needs, raising supply concerns.

Europatat welcomes the EU’s adoption of the NGT Regulation, opening new opportunities for innovative potato varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and processing traits, while boosting breeding research and investment.

Europatat has welcomed JAAP Agro as a new member. Operating in the Netherlands, France and Scotland, the company specializes in seed potato production and trade, supplying varieties for table potatoes, crisps and French fries.

EUPPA members met in Brussels on June 9–10, 2026, to discuss food safety, agriculture, sustainability and policy developments affecting the potato processing sector. The programme also included a visit to the European Parliament.

Europatat elected Peter Ton, COO of Royal HZPC Group, as President for 2026–2030 during its Brussels Congress. Members also reviewed strategy priorities, including trade, sustainability, water, nutrition, and potato research across Europe.

As processors increasingly work with potatoes sourced from more challenging growing conditions, FAM STUMABO has introduced StoneExtractor to improve stone evacuation within the cutting head and reduce the operational impact of embedded stones.

The European Commission launched a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers, strengthen EU fertiliser production, reduce import dependency, boost food security, and accelerate sustainable, bio-based solutions.

Private label is reshaping Europe’s grocery sector, reaching 38.8% share across 17 markets. Once seen as budget, it now rivals brands in quality and trust. With a Euro 387B market, retailers and producers like Agristo drive growth and innovation.

Belpotato.be has issued a press release outlining key points of attention for potato growers when concluding delivery contracts, as the sector continues to face pressure from challenging market conditions.

Telers die hun overtollige aardappelen nergens meer kunnen verkopen, hebben nu de mogelijkheid om hun aardappelen via een grondstoffenverklaring op hun percelen uit te rijden.

Processing potato prices in Belgium have dropped to EUR 0 in , while maincrop potatoes fell to EUR 10 per tonne (USD 11) in March, driven by weak demand and ongoing oversupply in the industrial potato market.

Todos los envases introducidos en el mercado de la UE deben ser reciclables para el año 2030. La industria reclama flexibilizar las exigencias y alargar los plazos para dar salida al stock

Breeders Trust warns of rising online sales of uncertified seed potatoes via Facebook groups, where ware potatoes are sold for planting, raising concerns over regulation and plant breeders' rights.

El mercado europeo de la papa enfrenta un fuerte excedente que presiona los precios, debilita la demanda y obliga a ajustar estrategias ante la acumulación de stocks y la llegada de la nueva cosecha.