Potato News from Europe

FrietHoes is scaling up with a new fries factory in Nieuw-Vennep, expanding capacity and reach across home and international markets. With rising demand for real potato taste, the brand is set to become the new quality benchmark in fries.

Following a record 2025 potato crop of 8.6mn tonnes, France's potato sector is coordinating the transition to the 2026 harvest by reducing surplus stocks, ending promotions for the previous harvest and creating retail space for new potatoes.

Potato Demo Day 2026 has opened visitor registration for its September event in Westmaas. The programme includes more than 120 exhibitors, 25 knowledge sessions, machinery demonstrations, a Startup Plaza and activities covering the potato value chain

The 1st International Symposium of Potato will bring together more than 400 industry professionals on October 5, 2026, at IFEMA Madrid to discuss sustainable production, innovation, consumption, and the strategic role of potatoes in Europe and the global market.

Gpi De Gouwe has rebranded as Gpi Process Technology, reflecting its evolution into a specialist in advanced food processing solutions. The company offers turnkey systems for fries, sauces, ready meals, chocolate, and confectionery production.

Branston has appointed Tom Seagrief as General Manager, expanding his remit to prepared retail, B2B peeling and mash operations. The move supports growth plans and follows the successful launch of the company's mash facility in 2024.

Gobierno de Navarra y EROSKI firmaron un convenio hasta 2029 para fortalecer el sector agroalimentario local mediante mayor presencia de productos navarros, apoyo a pequeños productores, innovación, sostenibilidad y colaboración público-privada.

Investindustrial, comprising the Kiremko, Idaho Steel and Reyco brands, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Tummers Group and Van der Giessen, bringing together specialist companies with complementary capabilities across the potato processing value chain. 

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.

Elea Technology will host a free online webinar on June 30, 2026, at 15:00, to present the latest additions to its PiCon portfolio for Pulsed Electric Field process control, including PiCon Vision and PiCon Flow, alongside AI-powered PiCon Sense.

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.

El futuro del campo español depende de una transformación estructural basada en relevo generacional, tecnificación, sostenibilidad, inversión productiva, formación especializada e infraestructuras que permitan convertir al agro en un sector competitivo, innovador y rentable.

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.

Growing demand for healthier snacks is driving interest in protein and fiber enrichment. Emsland Group highlights ingredient and application solutions for potato-based snacks and will present its portfolio at SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon.

Aviko has started electrifying its Steenderen potato processing plant, advancing its Unlock 30 sustainability strategy. Developed with Liander, the project aims to cut emissions, reduce fossil fuel use, and support lower-carbon food production.

Boema, Italian family firm (1979), introduces FME Nautilus hygienic hydraulic food pumps for potatoes, fruits and vegetables. Stainless steel AISI316L design, CIP integration, gentle conveyance, multiple capacities, global supply from Poland. EU.

DKHV has launched the first module of its Potato Specialist training program in Hermannsburg, bringing together industry professionals for practical and classroom-based training on potato cultivation, crop protection, field assessment and breeding.

Fanidhar Mega Food Park will showcase Standard, Milled and Curcumin Potato Flakes, plus Potato Powder, at SNACKEX 2026 in Lisbon on June 17–18. Visit Booth 559 to explore premium potato ingredients for snacks, bakery and food processing.