News on Potatoes for processing

Zimbabwe harvested 100,055 t. of potatoes in the 2025/26 summer season, raising average yields to 29 t/ha. Expanding production to meet winter targets will depend on greater access to certified seed, irrigation, storage, processing, and investment.

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.

Global demand for frozen French fries grow steadily in 2026 driven by QSR expansion, retail frozen food sales and convenience trends. Rising consumption supports processing potato demand despite supply volatility, higher costs and climate risks.

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.

World Potato Congress extended the early bird registration deadline for its 2026 congress in Naivasha to 6 July. The event will feature technical tours, including Farmer Field Day, and bring together global potato industry delegates and farmers.

The first joint potato campaign at Solan, Poland, concluded successfully, with stable production, high-quality potatoes, and output exceeding expectations. Strong teamwork with colleagues in the Netherlands supports future innovation and growth.

Potato breeders in Kenya are developing new varieties that combine disease resistance with the frying qualities needed for French fries. The work aims to improve yields, strengthen the potato value chain and deliver better fries for consumers daily.

Potato Business School completed its June 15–18 international training course, giving participants practical experience across the potato value chain through presentations, company visits and hands-on sessions.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq hosted the Potato Field Day event, organized by Beirut Erbil Company and Nahar Al-Awraad Company. The event highlighted sustainable potato cultivation, seed potato innovation, potato processing and food security.

Agristo has extended construction of its frozen potato processing plant in Grand Forks by one year, with production now scheduled for fall 2029. Construction and hiring continue as the facility prepares to process 275,000 tons of potatoes annually.

NOAA has confirmed El Niño, expected to strengthen through 2026–27. The global potato industry is monitoring impacts on yields, disease pressure, processing quality, storage, and supply chains while accelerating climate resilience efforts.

Europatat has welcomed JAAP Agro as a new member. Operating in the Netherlands, France and Scotland, the company specializes in seed potato production and trade, supplying varieties for table potatoes, crisps and French fries.

Peru has begun construction of a native potato processing plant in Huancavelica aimed at adding value to the crop, strengthening local producers and opening up new market opportunities.

Goodrich Cereals says the future of potato processing will be shaped by reliable sourcing, consistent quality, supply security, and specialized products. The company serves nearly 50 countries with potato ingredients and packaging options.

La Asociación Churacan de Huánuco concretó su primera venta directa de más de seis toneladas de papa amarilla Tumbay a Inkacrop, con apoyo de MIDAGRI y Agromercado, abriendo un nuevo canal formal para pequeños productores familiares.

Del 22 al 24 de junio de 2026 en el Auditorio del Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), se realizará el V Congreso Nacional de la Papa.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a June 18 webinar previewing the 13th World Potato Congress in Kenya. The session will highlight the Congress program, field days, technical tours and key industry initiatives ahead of the October event.

En Mendoza, el encuentro “Habemus Papas II” impulsó la creación de un clúster papero orientado a mejorar la productividad, diversificar la producción con papines andinos y articular al sector a través de innovación, sostenibilidad y vínculos entre productores, industria e instituciones.