Potato News from Europe

Around 500 guests from 15 countries attended the 20th International Berlin Potato Evening hosted by DKHV at TITANIC Chaussee Berlin, uniting heads from the potato value chain, science, politics to discuss market challenges and policy fair rules.

At Fruit Logistica 2026, FAM STUMABO showcased how it partners with fruit, vegetable, and potato processors to help them navigate labor scarcity, rising processing complexity, and tighter quality expectations.

Los agricultores galos se encuentran en alerta tras el recorte a los precios de los contratos de producción para industria los cuales trasladan más riesgos a su operativa.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

Germans consume an average of 63 kg of potatoes per person each year, according to official statistics. However, an exceptional surplus from the most recent harvest has overwhelmed even Germany's traditionally strong demand for the crop.

McCain Foods, the UK largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, has announced plans to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, home of McCain GB headquarters for more than 50 years.

The UK has officially eradicated the Colorado Beetle following two years of intensive surveillance and biosecurity activity. The pest was detected in Kent in July 2023, with one further finding later that year.

Flikweert Vision, globally active and a leading specialist in optical sorting for potatoes and onions, introduces the Divider Select during Fruit Logistica.

'Maris Piper has had its day; or has it?' That was the provocative title of a GB Potatoes debate at the British Potato Industry Event, where industry leaders discussed whether the long-standing variety still has a place in modern potato production.

The NAV Working Group for Potatoes for Consumption (WCA) has again estimated the cost price for the coming season (2026). In recent years, from the 2022 harvest through 2025, potato growers have faced a significant increase in cost prices.

La siembra arranca en Castilla y León con el sector pendiente de los precios en origen, el aumento de los costes y la necesidad de una mejor planificación.

The protests by the productive sector managed to halt the ratification of the agreement, which will now have to be re-evaluated by the European courts before it can either move forward or be permanently shelved.

La sobreproducción en Centroeuropa, la caída de las exportaciones europeas de patatas congeladas y la competencia creciente de China e India han provocado un desplome del precio de la patata en España, hasta apenas 12 céntimos por kilo.

Elea Technology GmbH recently hosted a potential customer delegation from North Africa, accompanied by Sofien Zahra from its business partner ScanStore A/S, to demonstrate the application of pulsed electric field technology in potato chip processing.

Six of the latest food processing machines by Urschel will be featured at Fruit Logistica from February 4-6, 2026. The expo brings together the fresh produce industry in Berlin, Germany, and will showcase Urschel cutting solutions.

Lamb Weston fries range has been named Product of the Year 2026 in the UK Chips category, recognising its full Fries range launched in 2024, which brings restaurant-quality chips from professional kitchens into UK homes.

The European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) published its latest Facts and Figures for 2025, underlining the scale, economic impact and global trade reach of Europe’s potato processing industry.

The European Snacks Association (ESA) has released its annual report outlining the association’s advocacy work, policy engagement, working group activities and key events during the year.