Potato News

Aardappeldemodag 2026 brought over 4,500 visitors to Westmaas amid a challenging year for the Dutch potato sector. The event focused on market pressures, extreme growing conditions, knowledge sharing, machinery and innovation.

McCain Foods India has appointed Aditya Krishna as Managing Director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead growth, strengthen grower partnerships and continue developing French Fries potato varieties suited to Indian conditions.

Finpom highlights northern Finland's advantages for high-grade seed potato production as climate change raises virus risks in Europe, while expanding its EUROPLANT portfolio with LARISSA, JUVENTA, Filipa, FAVOLA and INA.

KFC Malaysia and Mister Potato launch a limited-time collaboration featuring spicy crispy chicken, a crunchy Zinger burger and Cheezy Wedges-inspired chips for the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.1 points in July 2026, up 0.7 points from its June level. Increases in the price indices for cereals, sugar and vegetable oils were partially offset by declines in those for meat and dairy products.

European potato supplies are tightening as acreage declines and heatwaves pressure yields. France is particularly affected by severe water stress, prompting CNIPT to call for purchasing and sales strategies to reflect current market conditions.

Improved potato seeds distributed to farmers in Dubarwa, Eritrea, are delivering strong yields and showing resistance to pests and diseases. A total of 160 quintals of seed potatoes were planted across five hectares.

Pringles is launching Dippers, its first thicker, sturdier and wavier crisps designed for dipping, in three flavors this September. The brand is also expanding its Mingles range with a new Sweet & Salty flavor.

PepsiCo has announced new snack launches across India and Bangladesh, including Kurkure Aloo Chips, Kurkure Ribbon Pakoda, Lay's Potato Crackers and Quaker protein snacks, combining regional flavours, new textures and nutrition needs.

Ellips introduces the CleanFlow Pre-Sorter, using True-AI to remove stones, clods and defects before potato and onion storage or grading, handling up to 120 t/h while reducing equipment wear, storage losses and manual labour.

Hansen Farms in Rupert, Idaho, is preparing for its September 14 potato harvest as summer heat affects crop quality and water concerns grow. The fourth-generation farm grows seven potato varieties across about 60 fields.

In Europe, the industrial potato harvest could fall below 40 million tonnes in 2026 due to reduced plantings, heat and drought, while tighter supply and rising exports are already pushing processing potato prices higher.

In Argentina, the PapaDX app incorporates artificial intelligence to analyze images of potato crops, guide diagnoses of sanitary, nutritional or environmental problems, issue weather alerts and support management decisions without replacing professional assessment.

PotatoEurope 2026 will bring together around 290 companies on September 9 and 10 in Springe, Germany. The trade fair will be held alongside SugarBeet Expo and will highlight innovations in machinery, digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence.

Haith and GRIMME will co-exhibit for the first time at PotatoEurope 2026 in Springe, Germany, presenting complementary solutions spanning potato planting, harvesting, post-harvest handling, washing, grading and packing.

Emsland Group Strengthens Collaboration With Agricultural Partners Through New Office Building in Emlichheim

Harinder Farms participated in the 2nd Punjab Potato Growers Kissan Mela in Mullanpur Dakha, Punjab, showcasing seed potato varieties and engaging with farmers on variety selection, crop care, agronomy and market requirements.

Simplot and Tasmanian potato growers remain at odds over prices and supply terms, with growers also concerned about contract cuts and a planned 30,000-tonne reduction in potato volumes through the Ulverstone processing plant.