Potato News from the Netherlands

Lamb Weston, HAI, Radboud University and ISPT are advancing potato processing with AI and hyperspectral imaging to boost quality, reduce waste and improve efficiency. Lamb Weston experts say the technology enables consistent supply and faster, deeper quality predictions.

Egyptian sweet potatoes are gaining ground in Europe as demand rises. Short transit times, lower costs, and better storage boost supply. Dutch production struggles with low yields, while growing consumer interest and ready-to-eat trends drive market growth.

In today’s food processing landscape, relying on outdated freezing methods is no longer just inefficient, it is a direct threat to product quality and profitability. Processors are facing higher energy costs, labour shortages, and greater pressure to maintain consistent product integrity.

The 2025 table potato storage season emphasizes energy-efficient, quality-focused storage. Using Tolsma Grisnich solutions, smart ventilation, and precise temperature control reduces costs, weight loss, and sprout inhibitor use, boosting yield and profits despite market challenges.

Potato Demo Day 2026 will be held on 2 September 2026 in Westmaas, focusing on knowledge sharing, innovation, and networking. New highlights include the Startup Square and live demos, alongside key programs like the Young Farmers Program and Knowledge Barn.

Tummers Food Processing Solutions and Callens partner to advance the E²E (Emission-to-Energy) concept, aiming for emission-free, fully automated potato processing through sustainable energy, heat integration, and smart steam management.

Royal HZPC Group posts a strong 2024/25: revenue €525 M (USD 603 M), tonnage 1 M+, net profit €17.1 M (USD 19.8 M). Growers get €10.90 (USD 12.5) dividend. New varieties excel in French‑fry, chips, export and fresh markets, with acreage expected to grow further.

Kiremko, Idaho Steel & Reyco name Gerardo Chiaia as CEO and Kees van der Drift as CFO, marking a new growth phase under Investindustrial. The group unites to drive global innovation and leadership in food processing systems.

Flikweert Vision officially signed a dealership agreement with Volm Companies, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. The signing took place in Zeeland, where Volm’s Wayne DeCou and Matthew Alexander joined CEO Martijn Flikweert.

CêlaVíta, the Dutch chilled potato processor once owned by McCain, will not restart after bankruptcy. All 171 jobs are lost as the Wezep factory is dismantled and auctioned, marking the end of a well-known name in potato processing.

On September 25 and 26, 2025, Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Emmeloord, the Netherlands.

Sormac will showcase its cutting-edge fresh-cut processing tech at Pack Expo (Las Vegas, Sept 29–Oct 1, 2025) and Fruit Attraction (Madrid, Sept 30–Oct 2, 2025), featuring the BSM Belt Slicer, FS-3600 MultiSystem, and more live demos.

Mooij Agro launches Croptimiz-r MAX, a next-gen controller for crop storage. It manages up to 16 cells, automates climate control, cuts energy use, and protects crop quality. Key features include a 12” touchscreen, EVA assistant, and remote access.

On August 27, 2025, industry leaders met in the Netherlands for the conference Europe’s Place in a Changing Potato World, co-organised by Potato Europe, Europatat and World Potato Markets during Potato Europe 2025.

French Fries from McDonald’s may be world-famous, but they often grow just around the corner. Behind every portion of fries stand local farmers cultivating the potatoes, and Dutch entrepreneurs working together for more sustainable potato farming.

Developing countries like China and India are expanding potato processing, shifting from importers to exporters. Global frozen potato trade rose from USD 7.7B to USD 13.2B (2019–2024), with demand and per-capita consumption growing worldwide.

PotatoEurope 2025 set records with 17,268 visitors from 107 countries on Sept 3-4 in Lelystad, Netherlands. Live demos, trial fields, and top innovations like Croptimal’s Croptiscan 9000 highlighted the event. Next edition: Sept 9-10, 2026, Germany.

Tummers and PolySense partner to launch AI-powered, camera-based potato processing. Debuting on the Delta Roller Spreader, it boosts efficiency, cuts waste, and fuels Tummers Connect, the digital platform for smarter, data-driven operations.