Potato News

Agrico has opened a new potato research centre in the Netherlands. The facility will support faster breeding of disease-resistant, climate-resilient potato varieties, strengthening innovation and Dutch food security.

TOMRA Food has launched the AI-powered TOMRA 4A optical potato sorter, capable of processing up to 100 tonnes per hour. Featuring three-way sorting and LUCAi technology, the machine improves sorting accuracy, reduces waste and maximises crop value.

tna robag Quantum has become the first vertical form fill seal packaging system to win a Good Design Award Gold. The automated solution delivers up to 300 bags per minute, with a self-configuring setup designed to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

The Netherlands' ware potato harvest is expected to fall 17 percent to 3.5 million tonnes in 2026, according to Statistics Netherlands. Seed onion production is forecast to decline 15 percent, while sugar beet output is also expected to decrease.

NEIKER researchers in the PataFEST project evaluated potato varieties for resistance to black dot, silver scurf and Fusarium dry rot. The studies identified varieties with greater resistance, offering insights for potato breeding and storage methods.

FAM STUMABO has nearly doubled its French fry blade production capacity with a third manufacturing facility. Investments in automated and semi-automated equipment support more output, special cuts and expanded production of industrial cutting blades.

HZPC Potato Days 2026 will take place November 4–6 in Joure, the Netherlands, showcasing potato varieties, breeding innovations and sustainable cultivation under the theme Growing Your Future.

Agrico will host its International Variety and Seedling Show in the Netherlands from November 4–6, showcasing new potato varieties, breeding innovations and global cooperation under the theme 'Varieties of Life.'

The Potato Variety Days 2026 e-book is now available for free ahead of the 4–6 November event in the Netherlands. It features participating companies, event details, new varieties and insights into potato breeding.

Solana Group Open Days 2026 will take place November 4–6 in Emmeloord, the Netherlands, bringing potato industry professionals together to explore innovations, exchange experiences and discuss future developments.

AfricaBlight Network launched at the 2026 World Potato Congress in Kenya to strengthen regional collaboration, research, disease forecasting and sustainable late blight management, reducing crop losses and improving potato production across Africa.

Twentebelt launches TwenteStack, a self-stacking spiral belt designed to reduce friction, mechanical wear and energy consumption. Compatible with existing OEM systems, the belt is available worldwide for new installations and retrofits.

New Zealand-bred Crop78 is transforming the global french fry industry with high yields, improved disease resistance and better storage performance. Developed over 15 years, the potato is now grown across North America, Europe, Australia and India.

Farm Frites has launched a frozen fries factory in Saudi Arabia with Americana Foods, producing 70,000 tonnes annually. The facility supports local potato farming, strengthens supply chains and advances Vision 2030, with plans to double capacity.

HyFarm honoured Farmer Champions at its second Paathshala Convocation in Gujarat, India. The initiative has reached over 6,000 potato growers, reducing cultivation costs by 10–12 percent and irrigation water use by 30–35 percent.

Indian potato processor Iscon Balaji Foods showcased its Hungritos range and introduced Everlast CrispX fries at SIAL Paris 2026, highlighting longer crispness for delivery and takeaway while exploring overseas export and private-label opportunities.

VAVI has appointed Aviko’s Dick Zelhorst as its new chairman, succeeding Stephan van Kuik. He will focus on strengthening the Dutch potato processing industry, sustainability and sector competitiveness.

EUROPLANT is expanding its presence in the UK with a new subsidiary led by James Paice, strengthening partnerships, seed potato sales and variety licensing while introducing new potato varieties INA and FILIPA to the British market.