News on Processing Equipment from the Netherlands

Ellips’ Elisam CombiGrader grades potatoes and onions on one compact line, switching between crops within seconds. True-AI and light transmittance technology detect internal and external defects at up to 15 t/h, with a 15-meter footprint.

The new QualityGrader builds on years of experience with hundreds of machines worldwide. With improved flexibility, capacity, serviceability and AI sorting, it delivers smarter optical quality control for today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

Aardappeldemodag 2026 brought over 4,500 visitors to Westmaas amid a challenging year for the Dutch potato sector. The event focused on market pressures, extreme growing conditions, knowledge sharing, machinery and innovation.

Ellips introduces the CleanFlow Pre-Sorter, using True-AI to remove stones, clods and defects before potato and onion storage or grading, handling up to 120 t/h while reducing equipment wear, storage losses and manual labour.

Flikweert Vision says its AI-powered QualityGrader helps potato and onion processors cut labour costs boost processing capacity by 10–20% reduce unnecessary rejects and improve batch insights with VisionCore for faster ROI.

Jensma Agro installed two Optica Q optical sorters to grade 30 t/h of seed potatoes with less labour. The system cuts manual inspection, improves efficiency, increases capacity and supports future growth, with minor software improvements planned.

Janine Luten, Director of the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO), says innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to keeping the Netherlands a global leader in potatoes while tackling labour, sustainability and regulatory challenges.

DTS and MTS Foods combine process-engineering expertise with regional customer coordination across India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Flikweert Vision delivered six upgraded QualityGrader optical sorting machines for a modern onion sorting line. The enhanced platform features improved software, remote service, reliability and sorting performance for efficient grading.

FrietHoes is scaling up with a new fries factory in Nieuw-Vennep, expanding capacity and reach across home and international markets. With rising demand for real potato taste, the brand is set to become the new quality benchmark in fries.

Potato Demo Day 2026 has opened visitor registration for its September event in Westmaas. The programme includes more than 120 exhibitors, 25 knowledge sessions, machinery demonstrations, a Startup Plaza and activities covering the potato value chain

Gpi De Gouwe has rebranded as Gpi Process Technology, reflecting its evolution into a specialist in advanced food processing solutions. The company offers turnkey systems for fries, sauces, ready meals, chocolate, and confectionery production.

Investindustrial, comprising the Kiremko, Idaho Steel and Reyco brands, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Tummers Group and Van der Giessen, bringing together specialist companies with complementary capabilities across the potato processing value chain. 

Klaas van de Poppe has been appointed CEO of Eqraft, effective May 1, 2026. He succeeds Marcel Kampes and will lead the company's next phase of global growth, innovation, and customer-focused solutions for potato and onion processing.

Sticomax Group has acquired ICS Spiral Freezers to strengthen its expertise in freezing, cooling, and proofing solutions. The addition expands the group to seven companies, with combined turnover expected to reach EUR 125 million (USD 142 million).

FPS Food Process Solutions is expanding its European facility to enhance manufacturing, service, and customer support. Led by Kevin Witkam and Richard Quélo, the project strengthens FPS’s presence in the global food processing sector.

Flikweert Vision has introduced an upgraded QualityGrader for potatoes and onions. The optical sorting machine is now available in working widths of 1.0 and 1.5 meters and processes up to 30 tons of product per hour.

A family farm in the Netherlands combines dairy and arable operations to improve efficiency and quality. Originally based in Slootdorp, it expanded to Anna Paulowna, growing seed potatoes and sugar beets under a shared cropping plan.