News on Food Trends from Europe

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 128.8 points in September 2025, down slightly from its revised August level of 129.7 points. Declines in the cereal, dairy, sugar, and vegetable oil indices outweighed an increase in the meat index.

Biostimulant strategies can help potato crops better cope with field stress conditions, as well as enhance tuber numbers and proportion of marketable crop, according to results of plots at Potatoes in Practice Open Day at the James Hutton Institute.

On August 27, 2025, industry leaders met in the Netherlands for the conference Europe’s Place in a Changing Potato World, co-organised by Potato Europe, Europatat and World Potato Markets during Potato Europe 2025.

La recolección de patata en Salamanca sigue lenta: la siembra se retrasó más de un mes por lluvias y, con el poco interés de la distribución y los bajos precios, los agricultores no se animan a iniciar el arranque.

EUROPLANT marked major anniversaries by raising €20,000 (USD 21,400) for AGUAPAN, a Peruvian initiative preserving potato diversity crucial for breeding, climate resilience, and global food security.

French Fries from McDonald’s may be world-famous, but they often grow just around the corner. Behind every portion of fries stand local farmers cultivating the potatoes, and Dutch entrepreneurs working together for more sustainable potato farming.

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.

Princesa Amandine will be present at the 17th edition of Fruit Attraction, one of the leading international meeting points for the fruit and vegetable sector, which will bring together more than 120,000 professionals from 150 countries.

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.

Royal Avebe acquires Solan, Poland’s leading potato flakes & granules producer. The move, part of Avebe’s 'Strengthen & Accelerate' strategy, expands its portfolio, adds 100+ staff & 140 farmers, and keeps SOLAN® brand under Avebe’s umbrella.

Tummers and PolySense partner to launch AI-powered, camera-based potato processing. Debuting on the Delta Roller Spreader, it boosts efficiency, cuts waste, and fuels Tummers Connect, the digital platform for smarter, data-driven operations.

PotatoEurope 2025 takes place 3–4 Sept. at WUR Lelystad with 300+ exhibitors & visitors from 119 countries. Highlights: trial harvests, ICM & market conferences, live demos from harvest to sorting, and innovation test fields.

Branston potato growers gathered in Lincolnshire to explore new varieties, including a nutty salad potato and Inca Rosa, aimed at supermarkets by 2026. The field walk showcased trials, yields, and innovations, with Tesco also backing the development.

Investindustrial will acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, leading potato processing equipment makers. The deal unites 3 family-owned firms into a global platform, aiming for growth via integration, innovation, and expansion.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Potato Professionals in the United Kingdom gathered for the annual Potatoes in Practice (PiP)event, hosted by the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), in partnership with SRUC and Agrii, at The James Hutton Institute’s Baldruddery Farm.

Tolsma-Grisnich has moved to new sustainable premises at Cavalier 3, Emmeloord, uniting production, logistics & offices. The modern facility boosts efficiency & innovation. Official opening: 5 Sept for business relations, 6 Sept for the public.

Rosenqvists Food Technologies wins Krinova’s Innovation Award 2025 for combining tradition and innovation to drive sustainability, local growth, and Sweden’s global standing. Award received at Kristianstad’s Guldjubel gala by Stefan Björk & Anders Olsson.