Potato News

The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) and UNIKA have appointed Dr. Illya Kolba as their new joint managing director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead political advocacy and represent the interests of Germany's potato industry.

La XIV Fiesta y Feria de la Papa Andina se celebrará el 12 de julio en El Alfarcito, Salta. Más de 30 productores ofrecerán papas andinas, alimentos y artesanías regionales, junto con música en vivo y actividades culturales.

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

SAI Platform launched its Regenerating Together Programme during the 2026 Annual Event, bringing together industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture through practical implementation, collaboration and resilient production systems.

Hutton Scientific Services launched a commercial potato virus testing service for the 2026 United Kingdom seed potato campaign. The new service offers PLRV and PVY testing following SASA's withdrawal, supporting crop health and market confidence.

Agristo has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) as a Processor Member, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable potato production. The move supports industry collaboration as Agristo expands its first U.S. processing facility.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota developed a drone- and AI-based system to predict potato yields before harvest. Using drone imagery, machine learning, and growth modeling, it enables accurate, non-destructive yield forecasting.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

McCain Foods celebrated 18 Manufacturing Academy graduates in Scarborough. Since launching in 2022, the programme has enrolled 118 employees, supporting NVQ training, career progression and skills development across its four United Kingdom.

Global potato processing is shifting toward efficiency as Asia expands capacity while Europe invests in automation and energy-saving technologies. Heat and drought are increasing crop variability, influencing starch markets and supply strategies.

Pringles launched limited-edition Pop Dog Buns, potato-based hot dog buns inspired by Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ and Honey Mustard crisps. The buns will be offered free with a Pringles Three-Pack on July 8 and July 15, while supplies last.

La cosecha de papa en Salamanca comenzará formalmente la próxima semana en un contexto de incertidumbre productiva y de precios, marcado por diferencias entre zonas, competencia con cosechas tardías de Andalucía y Toledo, excedentes franceses y valores más bajos que en años anteriores.

La Asociación Brasileña de Papas Frescas (Abbin) organizará Conexão Batata Brasileira 2026 en Campinas los días 20 y 21 de noviembre. El evento reunirá a la cadena de la papa con una feria comercial, foros técnicos y actividades de networking.

El MIDA señaló que los rendimientos y la participación de los productores son fundamentales para el éxito. En los últimos cinco años, esta participación aumentó un 70%, lo que equivale a 130 productores con una tasa acumulada del 11.3%.

The first week of July in Brazil was marked by the 2026/2027 Crop Plan, the start of the winter potato harvest, advances in biotechnology, new sanitary regulations, and weather changes affecting the potato sector.

Around 70 Dutch seed potato growers watched an autonomous robot identify virus-infected plants during a field demonstration. The robot marks infected plants for easier manual removal, while automated removal is being explored for future versions.

Strong Roots has appointed Emma Curtis as Managing Director, succeeding Charlotte Turton. A long-standing member of the company, Curtis will lead the Irish frozen food brand as it enters its second decade of growth.

DKHV has launched a redesigned website (dkhv.org), offering a modern platform for Germany’s potato industry. Key features include an interactive member map, easier access to industry resources, and greater visibility for its 160 member companies.