Potato News from Europe

Croptimal has launched the tractor-mounted Croptiscan 3000, using camera and recognition technology to detect PVY and leaf roll early in seed potato crops, providing smaller growers with an alternative to fully self-driving machines.

ELEA demonstrated PiCon Sense and PiCon Vision on a potato PEF treatment line at PEF Advantage Day 2026, highlighting process monitoring, product quality and production performance while advancing research and industrial PEF applications.

Industry forecasts indicate extreme heat and drought could cut potato production by more than 3.5 million tonnes across Great Britain and NEPG countries in 2026, with losses valued at up to EUR 818 million (USD 937.4 million).

PotatoEurope 2026 and SugarBeet Expo opened in Germany, showcasing innovations for climate-resilient root-crop production. DLG President Paetow highlighted drought, pests, global markets and the need for competitive, sustainable farming systems.

The new QualityGrader builds on years of experience with hundreds of machines worldwide. With improved flexibility, capacity, serviceability and AI sorting, it delivers smarter optical quality control for today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

Urschel will showcase three high-capacity cutting solutions at Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 in Barcelona, including the new Little Gem Aspire™ Dicer, M VersaPro® Dicer and Comitrol® Disc Mill 380 for produce and nut processing.

Royal HZPC Group highlights how potato breeding can reduce disease pressure and crop protection needs, while Integrated Crop Management and climate adaptation help build more resilient and sustainable production systems.

INTERPOM 2026 will bring 330 exhibitors from 15 countries to Kortrijk, Belgium, from November 29 to December 1. The sold-out trade fair will focus on resilience, innovation and sustainability across the potato supply chain.

The 1st International Symposium of Potato will bring together more than 400 professionals in Madrid on October 5, 2026, to discuss potato production, trade, plant health and opportunities across the European potato value chain.

Switzerland is facing a record-low potato harvest after the hot summer reduced production to 20 percent below the six-year average. Domestic potatoes now cover only 70 to 75 percent of demand, increasing the need for imports.

Lamb Weston is promoting Really Crunchy Fries for UK foodservice, featuring a distinctive rough texture, 9% visible coating and long-lasting crunch, while supporting the range through chef collaborations, industry events and foodservice sampling.

Belgium’s potato crop is shrinking under extreme heat and drought, threatening supplies for its famous fries. Smaller potatoes could tighten availability, raise costs and push up prices across the country’s € frozen fries industry.

Clarebout Potatoes is proposing to close its Moeskroen 1 plant in Belgium as frozen potato production capacity exceeds expected demand. The potential closure could affect 392 employees, while investment will continue at other facilities.

PepsiCo's 2026 Global Agro University brought potato growers and agricultural experts to Germany to share practical knowledge and technologies for improving potato yield, quality, storage, precision farming and production efficiency worldwide.

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.

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.

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.

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.