Potato News from Europe

Klaas van de Poppe has been appointed CEO of Eqraft, effective May 1, 2026. He succeeds Marcel Kampes and will lead the company's next phase of global growth, innovation, and customer-focused solutions for potato and onion processing.

McCain Foods has announced a partnership with the Tour de France and will become the event's Official Fries partner in 2026. The agreement links the global frozen potato products manufacturer with one of the world's most recognized cycling events

Lamb Weston plans to close its potato processing facility in Broekhuizenvorst, the Netherlands, as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and align its supply chain with market conditions. The proposed closure affects about 110 employees.

Greenvale’s Golden Kings potatoes are back in Sainsbury’s stores from 3 June 2026. Known for their buttery flavour, golden colour and consistent quality, the brand is attracting younger shoppers and boosting growth in the potato category.

ELEA Technology GmbH has secured European Patent EP 3 641 559 B1 for a Pulsed Electric Field process that enables flavors, spices, and additives to penetrate food products before frying or drying, improving flavor consistency and product quality.

Tong SwiftLift has appointed Tom Allwood as Electrical and Service Manager to strengthen electrical production, aftersales service and customer support for the SwiftLift range as part of the Tong Engineering Group.

On May 30, the International Day of the Potato was celebrated worldwide, highlighting the potato’s role in food security, sustainability, economic development and culinary diversity beyond its importance as a staple food.

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.