Potato News from Europe

After years of development, Tummers Food Processing Solutions has reached a significant milestone by fully bringing the production of cookers, coolers and blanchers in-house.

Disminuye el precio de los contratos para la patata destinada a la industria, lo que probablemente se traducirá en una reducción de las hectáreas cultivadas.

El 5 de marzo, el Foro AKIS reunirá en el Campus de Arkaute a productores, empresas e instituciones para presentar y debatir el Plan Sectorial de la Patata, con foco en el Plan de I+D+i de la patata de siembra, promoviendo la colaboración y la transferencia de conocimiento para fortalecer la competitividad del sector en Euskadi.

Scientists, including experts from Met Office Hadley Centre and University of Exeter, warn the world is unprepared for climate risks. They urge a globally mandated assessment to clarify threats, guide policy, and help avoid the worst impacts.

La Comisión Europea decidió aplicar provisionalmente el acuerdo UE-Mercosur pese a su revisión judicial pendiente, generando fuertes críticas por eludir la ratificación formal del Parlamento Europeo y reavivando tensiones políticas dentro del bloque.

SINOBAKE invites industry professionals to visit its booth at INTERPACK 2026 from May 7-13. The event offers a global platform to explore advanced packaging and processing technologies, exchange expertise and strengthen international cooperation.

Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions, a specialist in automated palletizing systems, has introduced the next generation Verbruggen Topframe for modern end-of-line operations.

A first-of-its-kind low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has successfully grown its first crop of highly sustainable potatoes that will land in UK stores this week, thanks to a partnership between retailer Tesco and industry leader Branston.

The Snack Science Hub will return as a central knowledge platform during SNACKEX 2026, taking place on 17–18 June 2026 at FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal.

Scotts Precision Manufacturing is investing in a new 600sqm logistics and assembly facility, due summer 2026, to increase capacity, improve efficiency and lead times, and support growth into new crops, markets, and international projects.

Branston South West GM Jonathan Taylor will retire in March 2026 after nearly a decade leading major growth and £9m upgrades at Ilminster. Simon Jones, a long-serving operations leader, takes over to drive capacity, sustainability and innovation.

Europatat has opened registrations for its annual Europatat Congress, which will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on 3 and 4 June 2026. The event brings together members of the European potato community for the Association’s yearly gathering.

Albert Bartlett partners with Kate Hardcastle MBE to revive Britain’s love of potatoes. Their ‘Make Mealtimes Matter’ campaign promotes spuds as affordable, nutritious staples amid rising living costs.

Elea Technology, the global leader in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing systems, welcomes the recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit concerning United States Patent No. 6,821,540.

Parlamento europeo da el visto bueno a garantías adicionales frente a Mercosur para productos sensibles como la carne de ave o de vacuno. Umbrales estrictos para la activación del mecanismo de salvaguarda.

92% of farmers say their sustainability efforts go unrecognised, despite adopting an average of eight eco-friendly practices. While 85% would do more with financial support, low trust in government and policy confusion remain key barriers.

Heat and Control will return to Interpack 2026 with a strong focus on helping food manufacturers improve process efficiency, reduce energy and water consumption, and maintain consistent throughput and product quality.

Latest potato free-buy prices have fallen to less than half their level a year ago, with Potato Call quoting the best Maris Piper at GBP 180 per tonne compared with GBP 400 per tonne for similar potatoes last season.