News on Food Trends from the Netherlands

The Dutch Potato Organisation celebrated Potato Tuesday on October 6 at Utrecht Central Station during the Week of Our Food. Visitors can enjoy free recipe booklets and discover the people behind the Dutch potato industry.

Croptimal has launched the tractor-mounted Croptiscan 3000, using camera and recognition technology to detect PVY and leaf roll early in seed potato crops, providing smaller growers with an alternative to fully self-driving machines.

Royal HZPC Group highlights how potato breeding can reduce disease pressure and crop protection needs, while Integrated Crop Management and climate adaptation help build more resilient and sustainable production systems.

Janine Luten, Director of the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO), says innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to keeping the Netherlands a global leader in potatoes while tackling labour, sustainability and regulatory challenges.

Unilever expects no major job losses in the Netherlands after selling its food division to McCormick. The new company will retain a strong Dutch presence, including Rotterdam headquarters and Wageningen research center, supporting around 1,000 jobs.

Aviko has installed a fully electric e-boiler at its Lomm factory in the Netherlands. Powered by renewable electricity, it will replace part of the site's natural gas-based steam generation and cut CO₂ emissions by at least 4,800 tonnes a year.

Dutch growers and the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO) support the Outline Crop Protection Covenant to reduce environmental impacts, improve water quality and boost innovation while promoting legal certainty and sustainable potato production.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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.

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.

IFCG-Egypt will join PLMA Amsterdam 2026 (May 19–20, RAI Exhibition Centre), showcasing premium frozen sweet potato and potato products and private label solutions, with focus on customization, consistent quality, and scalable global supply.

Aviko and Aviko Rixona published their 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting SBTi-validated climate targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and progress in electrification, grower collaboration, and lower-carbon products.