News on Potato Trade from Europe

Northwest Europe faces a potato oversupply after acreage expanded to over 600,000 ha, adding about 5 million tons since 2022. Jan van Hoogen says growers should reduce acreage and be patient for two years while the market finds balance.

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.

Belarus harvested 3 million tons of potatoes in 2025, down from 3.1 million a year earlier. While authorities say supplies are sufficient, experts warn imports may be needed by summer, potentially pushing prices higher.

Spain’s sweet potato supply is low due to weather, keeping demand and prices high. Marta Guerra’s nursery continues growing plants, noting rising consumer interest, strong Spanish quality vs imports, and ongoing water challenges.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

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.

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.

The European RUCIP Committee held a webinar on October 17, 2025 to mark the launch of the RUCIP 2025 Rules, highlighting updates for simpler, faster, and fairer resolution of potato trade disputes across Europe.

'La patata de calidad se carga, pero la otra no se quiere' . El precio no cubre costos y hay dificultades con los contratos.

Updated RUCIP Rules have taken effect on October 1 2025, modernizing potato trade in Europe with clearer structure, digital processes, and improved dispute resolution. Learn key changes in a free webinar on 17 Oct 2025, 09:00 CEST.

Royal HZPC Group plans to acquire Ireland-based IPM Potato Group, a leading seed potato breeder and exporter, boosting HZPC’s UK and global presence.

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.

Developing countries like China and India are expanding potato processing, shifting from importers to exporters. Global frozen potato trade rose from USD 7.7B to USD 13.2B (2019–2024), with demand and per-capita consumption growing worldwide.

Los agricultores del Campo de Cartagena enfrentan precios de 10 a 15 céntimos por kilo, muy por debajo de los costes de producción, lo que amenaza la viabilidad del cultivo de papa.

Seed potato areas in Western Europe reached 106,864 ha in 2025, up 9,297 ha (+9.53%) from 2024. Netherlands, France and Germany account for 80%. Growth is led by processing and export varieties, confirming their strategic role.

Russian researchers unveil a new, low-cost method to grow potatoes at home, addressing rising prices and shortages. The innovation enables indoor cultivation without special equipment, offering a timely solution to the nation's potato crisis.

Malas nuevas para los productores de patata temprana en la provincia de Almería, pues esta es la zona de Andalucía donde más barata se vende.