News on Food Trends from Europe

Researchers from the Universities of Potsdam and Erlangen, the Max Planck Institute and the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana developed Potato-GEM, a genome-scale metabolic model to study growth–defense trade-offs in crops.

Chilled Potato producer CêlaVíta has gone bankrupt. The Dutch company supplied pre-cut potatoes and pre-seasoned potato products to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants throughout Europe.

In Venlo, the Netherlands, circularity is not just a vision - it’s a working reality. At Looop, a company with roots in the agri-food sector dating back nearly a century, the last 30 years have marked a transformation.

In July 2025, the FAO Food Price Index averaged 130.1 points, up 2.1 points (1.6%) from June. Falls in cereals, dairy, and sugar were outweighed by rises in meat and vegetable oils. The index was 7.6% above July 2024 but 18.8% below March 2022’s peak.

PACE Mechanical Handling now includes AI-powered performance monitoring as standard in its packing machines, offering free alerts for maintenance needs. This new 'Gateway' feature ensures peace of mind for fresh produce and potato packers.

FoodTech Forum 2025 brought together industry experts, customers, and partners for three weeks of live demos and discussions. Heat and Control® hosted sessions focused on innovative, sustainable solutions shaping the future of food processing.

Esta herramienta permitirá optimizar el uso de fungicidas, reducir costos y minimizar el impacto ambiental al ajustar los tratamientos según el riesgo real.

Aberystwyth University leads a cross-border AI project to combat potato late blight, a disease causing €4B in losses annually. The DeepDetect app will help farmers detect infections early, cutting pesticide use and boosting sustainable farming.

The European Investment Bank has signed a EUR 20 million venture debt financing agreement with Dutch biotechnology company Solynta, to accelerate the development of potato varieties with enhanced resistance to disease and resilience to climate change

PotatoEurope 2025, set for 3–4 Sept in Lelystad, Netherlands, showcases live machinery demos, smart agri-tech, and innovations in potato farming. With 300+ exhibitors and 15,000 visitors, it’s the premier hub to innovate, network, and grow.

Russian researchers unveil a new, low-cost method to grow potatoes at home, addressing rising prices and shortages. The innovation enables indoor cultivation without special equipment, offering a timely solution to the nation's potato crisis.

After a near-fatal accident at his remote home, Graham Bannister stresses the importance of emergency preparedness, rural connectivity, and using tools like satellite calling and What3words to stay safe while working alone in isolated areas.

Efficiently manage crop storage with Mooij Agro’s Smart Cooling Manager—monitor and control each cooling cell, auto-prioritize capacity, and integrate seamlessly with all units via Croptimiz-r®. Ideal for post-CIPC potato storage.

Royal Avebe and TNO are pioneering 3D food printing using potato starch to create plant-based meat alternatives. Discover how this sustainable innovation could transform global food production and improve food security worldwide.

Europatat Congress 2025 in Lille brought together Europe’s potato leaders to tackle challenges like climate change, shifting consumption, and global trade. With optimism, speakers stressed innovation, sustainability, and adapting to consumer demands.

Groupe Florimond Desprez (GFD) acquired DLF’s 49% stake in Danespo A/S, becoming majority owner. The move strengthens GFD’s seed potato business, aligning Danespo and Germicopa under shared leadership and future investments.

The DKHV launched its 'Potato Specialist' training in Lüneburg Heath. Over 3 days, 46 participants explored potato botany, cultivation, plant protection, and quality standards through expert lectures and hands-on sessions. Next module is in autumn.

Open Farm Sunday 2025 saw a 20% rise in host farms, welcoming 200,000 visitors. The event strengthened public connections to farming, highlighted sustainability, and inspired youth interest in agriculture. Next year’s event is on 7th June 2026.