News on Processing Equipment from Europe

Robotics, imaging, sensors and data-driven tools will lead fruit and vegetable innovation at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026. The FRUTIC Science Symposium on 6 February will highlight advances shaping global horticultural production and postharvest management.

In today’s food processing landscape, relying on outdated freezing methods is no longer just inefficient, it is a direct threat to product quality and profitability. Processors are facing higher energy costs, labour shortages, and greater pressure to maintain consistent product integrity.

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.

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.

Tummers Food Processing Solutions and Callens partner to advance the E²E (Emission-to-Energy) concept, aiming for emission-free, fully automated potato processing through sustainable energy, heat integration, and smart steam management.

Dutch TecSource B.V. ships a complete specialty food processing line to Northern France, including blancher, counterflow cooler, cooker, and buffer system. Pre-built for seamless integration, showcasing DTS’s tailor-made solutions and team excellence.

Ukraine’s MAIS has started building the country’s first potato processing plant producing fries, flakes, and flour. Handling 180,000 t of potatoes annually, it aims to reduce imports, boost exports, and modernize Ukraine’s potato sector by 2027.

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.

Flikweert Vision officially signed a dealership agreement with Volm Companies, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. The signing took place in Zeeland, where Volm’s Wayne DeCou and Matthew Alexander joined CEO Martijn Flikweert.

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

FAM STUMABO is expanding globally with new facilities in Spain, Germany, and the USA, reinforcing its commitment to customer proximity, service excellence, and a stronger direct presence across key international markets.

Selecting the right cutting method is vital for accuracy, reduced waste, and consistent texture. Herbort GmbH launches the universal 122W cutting machine, offering precision, versatility, and efficiency in fruit and vegetable processing.

Sormac will showcase its cutting-edge fresh-cut processing tech at Pack Expo (Las Vegas, Sept 29–Oct 1, 2025) and Fruit Attraction (Madrid, Sept 30–Oct 2, 2025), featuring the BSM Belt Slicer, FS-3600 MultiSystem, and more live demos.

Fruit Attraction 2025 (30 Sep–2 Oct, IFEMA Madrid) hosts 2,460 exhibitors (+8.4%), 78,000 m² (+10%) and 120,000 professionals. Key highlights: Innova&Tech growth, Organic Hub Tour, Mexico & Malaysia as guest importers, tomato as featured product.

With rising pressure on cost, consistency, and speed, fresh-cut vegetable processors are rethinking equipment. FAM STUMABO’s trio—Dorphy™ TM, Centris™ 315, and Flexis—delivers faster changeovers, higher throughput, and superior product quality.

Atlas Copco’s heat pumps and steam compressors turn low-temperature waste heat into high-temp energy, cutting energy use and emissions. Electrification replaces fossil fuels, enabling efficient, sustainable, and decarbonized industrial heating.

The potatoes you pack today define your reputation tomorrow. Customers expect quality, consistency, and on-time deliveries. But can your grading technology keep up?

PotatoEurope 2025 set records with 17,268 visitors from 107 countries on Sept 3-4 in Lelystad, Netherlands. Live demos, trial fields, and top innovations like Croptimal’s Croptiscan 9000 highlighted the event. Next edition: Sept 9-10, 2026, Germany.