News on Packaging Equipment from Europe

Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions is a Netherlands-based supplier of automated palletizing solutions, serving food, agri-food, and industrial sectors with customized end-of-line systems.

Fruit Logistica 2026 (4–6 Feb, Berlin) brings the global fresh fruit industry together with six expert stages, 200 speakers and multilingual talks, covering markets, farming, technology, logistics and future innovation.

As the UK potato industry prepares for BP2025 in Harrogate, Tong Engineering will highlight how its latest handling and automation technologies help growers and processors meet modern demands while preparing for the future.

The European Snacks Association releases its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting members’ efforts in resource efficiency, sustainable sourcing, energy savings, and eco-friendly packaging, supporting the EU Green Deal and circular economy initiatives.

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.

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.

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

LOMA Systems will showcase its latest inspection technologies and online training at PPMA Total 2025, NEC, from 23–25 September. The UK debuts include the X5DE Space Saver X-ray and IQ4M RUN-WET® metal detector at stand E14.

PACE Mechanical Handling now includes AI-powered performance monitoring as standard in its packing machines, offering free alerts for maintenance needs. This new 'Gateway' feature ensures peace of mind for fresh produce and potato packers.

As of September 1st, 2025, Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions will relocate to a brand-new, purpose-built headquarter alongside the A6 highway in Emmeloord, the Netherlands.

PACE Mechanical Handling and JT Hopkins & Sons are celebrating 30 years of working together after installing a state-of-the-art potato packing line. The two companies first collaborated in 1995.

The potato is a vital global food, praised for its versatility and nutrition. FAO named May 30 'International Day of the Potato,' with 2024’s theme, 'Shaping history, feeding the future,' stressing the need for innovation to keep it relevant.

Patatas Meléndez, Spain’s leading fresh potato supplier, partnered with Wyma to develop one of the world’s most advanced Industry 4.0 post-harvest facilities—featuring AI-powered sorting systems.

Burgess Farms' new Haith potato wash line, installed in October, has boosted throughput, optical sorting, and efficiency at Sutton Bridge. The investment enhances quality, flexibility, and sustainability, supporting the farm’s growth.

French fries consumption ison the rise: per capita consumption of frozen potato products has been increasing for many years now. As a result, potato processing specialist Aviko Germany has been working at full capacity to meet the demand for frozen fries from retailers and food service alike.

Manter, a specialist in weighing and packaging solutions, expands its portfolio with the launch of the brand-new Punnet Filler. This automatic packaging machine is highly user-friendly and responds to the growing market demand, particularly the increasing need for sustainable punnet packaging. 

Visit Eqraft's new booth at Fruit Logistica in Berlin from February 5-7, where they'll unveil the latest edition of the Eqraft® Magazine, showcase several innovative products, and share a newly developed growth strategy for the years ahead. Join them to celebrate recent achievements and explore future opportunities together!

The British Potato Industry Event 2025 is back this November, uniting professionals from across the potato supply chain for two action-packed days of networking, innovation, and industry insights.