Potato News from Europe

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.

Wageningen and the Dutch government are moving forward with a field trial of NTG-edited potatoes to strengthen resistance to late blight and reduce pesticide use, in a context of regulatory change in the European Union.

Galicia enfrenta una campaña de patata muy complicada, con una caída estimada del 25% por el impacto de las lluvias e inundaciones, en medio de mayores importaciones, precios en origen deprimidos y costos de producción en alza.

Potatoes in Practice 2026 returns on August 13 at Balruddery Farm near Dundee with SPOT robotic dog demos, live cooking by Sarah Rankin, field trials and seminars.

A survey by Lamb Weston reveals Brits are embracing global flavours at home, with younger generations leading the trend by adding chilli oils, spices and international-inspired twists to everyday meals and chips.

Allround Vegetable Processing, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of potato and vegetable processing machinery has appointed Denmark-based Manter Nordic ApS, a supplier of processing and packaging technology for the agro-food industry in Scandinavia

Aviko has signed the Declaration of Intent for the Regenerating Together Programme (RTP) of SAI Platform together with 40 food and agriculture organisations, including Carlsberg Group, Diageo and FrieslandCampina.

Key Technology unveiled new food processing and inspection technologies at Interpack 2026, including ADR X, COMPASS sorter and Impulse conveyor solutions.

Lamb Weston has launched Frites Atelier in the United Kingdom, introducing the premium fries concept developed in collaboration with three Michelin star chef Sergio Herman to the UK foodservice sector.

Co-op has introduced new 'best of season' potato packs across its stores, becoming the first United Kingdom convenience retailer to adopt a seasonal variety approach designed to support British potato growers and maintain year-round domestic supply.

On the occasion of Snackex, taking place on June 17–18 in Lisbon, Limagrain Ingredients is showcasing blue masa flour, a naturally distinctive ingredient designed to support snack manufacturers in addressing key challenges around innovation, naturalness and product performance.

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.