Potato News from Europe

Ukraine has begun building its largest potato processing plant in Cherkasy. The first phase, due by late 2026 or early 2027, will produce 25,000 tonnes of potato flour annually, replacing imports, with future expansion into French fries and exports.

European potato processors are prioritizing automation, resource use and flexible equipment as labour shortages, energy costs, climate risks and competition increase. Wyma highlights technologies help improve yields and resilience for future growth.

Para poder seguir adelante con la cosecha, los productores de la región capitalina están optando por trabajar de noche y evitar así las altas temperaturas bajo el sol.

Ya se esta recogiendo los campos con los cultivos más precoces, mientras que se continua a la espera de un panorama más claro con respecto al precio.

Intersnack Group will acquire Utz Brands in an all-cash USD 2.9 billion take-private deal. After closing, Intersnack and the Rice and Lissette Family will each own 50% of Utz, expanding the company's position in the United States snack market. ahead.

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.

Los primeros arranques ya han comenzado en Villalazán y El Carpio. Inicia así una campaña marcada por la innovación, la sostenibilidad y el trabajo conjunto con los agricultores

Belgian AI technology company Polysense has raised USD 10.7 million to expand its AI-powered quality control and process optimisation solutions, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, improve yield, and automate real-time production decisions.

Advanced post-harvest technologies are helping cut food waste, reduce carbon emissions, improve storage efficiency, and strengthen sustainable food supply chains through AI, IoT, precision sorting, renewable energy, and smart cold storage solutions.

GB Potatoes reports that longer potato rotations are boosting UK production by improving soil health, controlling pests and diseases, and supporting sustainable farming. Research shows diverse rotations increase yields, food value & resilience.

Aviko's 2026 Annual Growers' Meeting reviewed the 2025 harvest, announced pool prices, and discussed market developments ahead of the 2026 crop. The meeting also highlighted collaboration across the potato value chain.

Inter Agra compares wooden and plastic potato storage boxes, highlighting the benefits of wooden pallet boxes, including natural ventilation, durability, repairability and standardized design for efficient potato storage and handling.

The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) and UNIKA have appointed Dr. Illya Kolba as their new joint managing director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead political advocacy and represent the interests of Germany's potato industry.

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

Hutton Scientific Services launched a commercial potato virus testing service for the 2026 United Kingdom seed potato campaign. The new service offers PLRV and PVY testing following SASA's withdrawal, supporting crop health and market confidence.

McCain Foods celebrated 18 Manufacturing Academy graduates in Scarborough. Since launching in 2022, the programme has enrolled 118 employees, supporting NVQ training, career progression and skills development across its four United Kingdom.

Global potato processing is shifting toward efficiency as Asia expands capacity while Europe invests in automation and energy-saving technologies. Heat and drought are increasing crop variability, influencing starch markets and supply strategies.

La cosecha de papa en Salamanca comenzará formalmente la próxima semana en un contexto de incertidumbre productiva y de precios, marcado por diferencias entre zonas, competencia con cosechas tardías de Andalucía y Toledo, excedentes franceses y valores más bajos que en años anteriores.