News on Food Trends from Europe

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 120.6 points in October 2023, down 0.7 points (0.5 percent) from September, continuing the downward trend and standing 14.8 points (10.9 percent) below its corresponding value a year ago.

During the international symposium Food Systems Transformation, experts advocated for a more strategic and long-term vision on providing food security and the need for transformation of current food systems.

The foreign material identification accuracy of TOMRA Food's sorting and grading solutions has won a prestigious International FoodTec Award for 'using artificial intelligence and cloud technology to improve food safety, quality, and traceability while increasing process efficiency'.

Nordic financial investor Alder, focused on investing in technology companies that drive sustainable solutions, joins them, Insort, the expert in high-tech imaging solutions for the food industry, as an investor.

Previo a la XVIII edición de la Feria Exaltación de la Patata de Herrera de Pisuerga que comenzó el pasado 28 de octubre, José Valín, quien ocupó la Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería de la Junta de Castilla y León entre 1996 y 2007, fue entrevistado con respecto a las tendencias de la patata en España y las perspectivas a futuro.

The Fera-led R&D project, Enigma I, is reporting impressive results halfway through its investigation into sustainable wireworm control – a pest issue causing significant annual yield losses in root vegetable and salad crops.

Potato and cereal crops are likely to have been heavily damaged by the recent devastating floods across the United Kingdom, farmers have warned.

United Kingdom potato supplier Branston has announced it is opening a mashed potato facility to produce and supply leading UK supermarkets with the prepared family favourite starting in spring 2024.

For financial year 2022/2023, potato breeder Royal HZPC Group B.V. reports substantial growth in sales. Gerard Backx, CEO Royal HZPC Group B.V., underlines that the important growth in volume, is mainly in Asia and America.

The Germany-headquartered company presented a series of innovations at the two-day event of the mechanical and plant machinery companies' network.

Europe has unveiled a EUR 3.2 million (USD 3.4 million) initiative, named “Potatoes Forever!“, aimed at educating the public about sustainable practices within the fresh potato industry. The campaign, set to span three years, will primarily target France and Italy.

Princesa Amandine ha alcanzado un acuerdo de distribución comercial con la cadena Makro, líder de la distribución mayorista para hostelería en España, que ya está ofreciendo esta patata en sus lineales.

La temporada de cultivo de 2023 trajo desafíos sin precedentes para los productores de semilla de papa en Europa. Condiciones climáticas desfavorables y una reducción en la superficie sembrada han provocado retrasos en la siembra, disminución de los rendimientos y una importante escasez de semilla.

The FAO Food Price Index* (FFPI) averaged 121.5 points in September 2023, almost unchanged from its value in August, as declines in the price indices of vegetable oils, dairy and meat had offset increases in the sugar and cereal price indices.

Former Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, Scott Walker, has been appointed as the new part-time CEO for GB Potatoes.

PLUS's Dutch range of unprocessed potatoes will become completely organic. As of today, the unprocessed potatoes in 1 kilo bags are standard organic. And again without increasing the price.

Crop Insights tool HarvestEye has announced the appointment of Harry Tinson as its new general manager, bringing to the team expertise in global B2B sales from across the engineering and transport sectors.

Agrico acquires Royal ZAP’s seed potato activities. By means of this acquisition, Agrico has taken a step towards expanding its acreage, in order to meet demand.