Potato News from Europe

Ibersnacks merged with the Europe Snacks group, thus consolidating its dominance over the European snack market with 9 operational plants in 3 different countries.

Total potato production in North-western Europe will be mostly determined by yield, as extreme drought plagues the crop, growing on a one percent larger acreage

A recent study on the impact of Pulsed Electric Field treatment (PEF) in the potato processing industry has shown substantial benefits in comparison to the regular process using conventional pre-heaters.

Nestle has applied for a patent for an infant formula based on potato protein microparticles. The company presents it as a naturally hypoallergenic infant formula that is suitable for infants with cow's milk protein allergy.

Dutch Potato Starch Cooperative Avebe has appointed two new members to its Supervisory Board: Dirk Kloosterboer and Robert Smith.

Earlier this month Nomad Foods Limited announced that it had completed its previously announced acquisition of Aunt Bessie’s Limited from William Jackson & Son Limited for a purchase price of approximately €240 million.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 173.7 points in June 2018, down 2.4 points (1.3 percent) from its level in May, representing the first month-on month decline since the beginning of this year. Most markets have generally taken-on a weaker tone recently largely on heightened trade tensions.

Belgapom, the Belgian potato trade and processing industry association, has appointed Marc Van Herreweghe as its new chairman.

The two largest European Supermarket groups, Tesco and Carrefour are announcing their intention to enter into a long-term, strategic alliance.

Bosch has decided to sell it packaging business. Although Bosch Packaging Technology is among the largest manufacturers of packaging equipment world-wide, the company does not consider it its core business.

PotatoEurope 2018, one of the top events for the international potato industry, returns to Germany on September 12 and 13.

Northern Ireland chips and snacks company Tayto has acquired meat snacks company The Real Pork Crackling, in what is already its fourth acquisition this year.

The Belgian Development Cooperation has been working with the International Potato Centre (CIP) in developing countries since the 1970s. The aim is to support the research and training required to improve the production of potatoes and sweet potatoes, as well as other root vegetables and tubers.

The latest data on in-store airflow, tuber respiration and sprout suppression is included in the 3rd edition of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research’s (SBCSR) Potato Store Managers’ Guide.

For the second time in just a few weeks, Polish potato producers have protested against low prices.

What matters more for food businesses, quality and safety or quantity? But does food quality and safety and food quantity have to be opposing factors, so that as output increases quality suffers?

Agricultural Machinery manufacturer GRIMME inaugurated its new location in Roeselare, Belgium with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Jan Bijleveld has been appointed as the new Managing Director at Dutch potato packing business Leo de Kock, a subsidiary of Agrico BV.