Nieuws uit Europa

Heat and Control will showcase processing, seasoning, water conservation and thermal processing technologies at Snackex 2026 in Lisbon. The solutions are designed to support greater efficiency, sustainability and performance in snack manufacturing.

Hungritos will showcase its customizable dehydrated potato flakes and potato powder at SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon. The company aims to connect with snack manufacturers, food processors and buyers seeking potato-based ingredient solutions.

Solynta has registered SOLHY019 as the first diploid Hybrid True Potato Seed (HTPS) variety on the Dutch Variety List. The milestone validates hybrid potato breeding and supports wider adoption of seed-based potato production worldwide.

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.

Klaas van de Poppe has been appointed CEO of Eqraft, effective May 1, 2026. He succeeds Marcel Kampes and will lead the company's next phase of global growth, innovation, and customer-focused solutions for potato and onion processing.

McCain Foods has announced a partnership with the Tour de France and will become the event's Official Fries partner in 2026. The agreement links the global frozen potato products manufacturer with one of the world's most recognized cycling events

Lamb Weston plans to close its potato processing facility in Broekhuizenvorst, the Netherlands, as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and align its supply chain with market conditions. The proposed closure affects about 110 employees.

Greenvale’s Golden Kings potatoes are back in Sainsbury’s stores from 3 June 2026. Known for their buttery flavour, golden colour and consistent quality, the brand is attracting younger shoppers and boosting growth in the potato category.

ELEA Technology GmbH has secured European Patent EP 3 641 559 B1 for a Pulsed Electric Field process that enables flavors, spices, and additives to penetrate food products before frying or drying, improving flavor consistency and product quality.

Tong SwiftLift has appointed Tom Allwood as Electrical and Service Manager to strengthen electrical production, aftersales service and customer support for the SwiftLift range as part of the Tong Engineering Group.

On May 30, the International Day of the Potato was celebrated worldwide, highlighting the potato’s role in food security, sustainability, economic development and culinary diversity beyond its importance as a staple food.

La campaña de patata en Andalucía avanza con menos superficie sembrada pero mejores perspectivas de rendimiento, en medio de la presión de las importaciones de patata vieja francesa, el riesgo de solapamiento entre cosechas nacionales y un fuerte aumento de los costos de producción.

Maintaining crop quality after harvest remains a major challenge for potato, onion and carrot producers, particularly during long-term storage where mechanical damage can reduce product quality and market value.

The Dutch potato sector used International Potato Day to highlight its role in global food security, innovation, and economic growth. Industry leaders and policymakers emphasized cooperation, sustainability, and support to maintain global leadership.

Sticomax Group has acquired ICS Spiral Freezers to strengthen its expertise in freezing, cooling, and proofing solutions. The addition expands the group to seven companies, with combined turnover expected to reach EUR 125 million (USD 142 million).

UK potato farmers face rising costs, weak prices, labour shortages and climate shocks after years of disruption. Profitability is under pressure, risking sector decline. Innovation, policy support and collaboration are key to future resilience.

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.