News on Potato Cultivation from Europe

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 (4–6 Feb, Berlin) gathers the global fresh produce industry for innovation, networking, and market insights. With 2,500+ exhibitors, expert forums, tech showcases, and the 20th Innovation Award, it drives the future of fresh produce.

GRIMME showcased the fourth-generation VARITRON 470 XL at AGRITECHNICA 2025, featuring a 13 m³ NonstopBunker, new ConstantFlow bunker, upgraded MultiSep cleaning, and 460 hp power for potato, onion and carrot harvesting.

In Ukraine, demand for niche vegetable crops is growing noticeably, most notably for sweet potatoes and asparagus. These observations were shared in a market review of the magazine 'Gardening in Ukrainian'.

Egyptian sweet potatoes are gaining ground in Europe as demand rises. Short transit times, lower costs, and better storage boost supply. Dutch production struggles with low yields, while growing consumer interest and ready-to-eat trends drive market growth.

Plant protection, bureaucracy, and production costs – these are just some of the issues currently weighing heavily on Germany’s specialty crop sector.

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.

Royal HZPC Group posts a strong 2024/25: revenue €525 M (USD 603 M), tonnage 1 M+, net profit €17.1 M (USD 19.8 M). Growers get €10.90 (USD 12.5) dividend. New varieties excel in French‑fry, chips, export and fresh markets, with acreage expected to grow further.

Mercados mundiales de papa bajo presión por exceso de oferta, clima y cuellos logísticos. Europa: producción abundante y precios bajos. Fuera: siembras tardías; valores bajos en Norteamérica, sobreoferta en Sudáfrica y dinamismo en Egipto y Pakistán.

British farmers face mounting pressures amid economic uncertainty, policy shifts, and unpredictable weather — with nearly three-quarters expressing pessimism about the industry’s future, according to McCain Foods’ inaugural Farmdex Report.

AVR launches the finalized version of its legendary self-propelled harvester: the AVR Puma. With a sensational new design at all levels — the ultimate version of a legend, the final roar.

Produce Investments (PI) acquires Biofresh Safestore, a leader in fixed crop management. Combined with Restrain’s natural sprout suppression, the move expands PI’s tech portfolio, offering flexible, innovative storage solutions across Europe and beyond.

Germany’s POMORROW project will decode the genes of 6,357 potato varieties to advance breeding of drought-tolerant, pest-resistant and nutrient-efficient potatoes, supporting sustainable, climate-smart farming and securing future global food supplies.

Poland records its strongest potato harvest in years, surpassing 7.5 million tons. Favorable weather lifted yields, but growers face lower prices, quality challenges, and pressure for sustainable packaging solutions

The UK distributor of Algifol is to exhibit at British Potato for a second time and is running a special competition to mark 20 years of representing the seaweed-based biostimulant in the UK.

The 72nd Potato Autumn Exchange in Hamburg tackled rising transport costs, CO₂ pricing, and logistics challenges amid Europe’s record potato harvest. Leaders discussed solutions like digital tools and alternative drives to boost supply chain efficiency.

Biostimulant strategies can help potato crops better cope with field stress conditions, as well as enhance tuber numbers and proportion of marketable crop, according to results of plots at Potatoes in Practice Open Day at the James Hutton Institute.

Los supermercados se benefician mientras que los agricultores no alcanzan a cubrir sus costos. El malestar del sector es grande.