No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
Urschel will showcase its innovative Little Gem Aspire™ Dicer at SIAL Paris from October 17-21, 2026, along with other heavy-duty equipment. Attendees can see live demonstrations and learn about precision cutting solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Key machinery includes the CCX-D Shredder, Sprint 2® Dicer, Comitrol® Processor Model 1700, and Comitrol® Disc Mill (DM) 380. Visit Booth P230 in Hall 5A for more information.
Elea Technology GmbH has won the Silver International FoodTec Award 2027 for its PiCon Sense platform, which enhances Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) process monitoring and optimization. This innovation allows food processors to utilize real-time data and AI analysis to improve treatment effectiveness. The award will be presented during Anuga FoodTec 2027 in Cologne, where Elea will exhibit its advanced PEF technology and applications, reinforcing its leadership in the industry.
The recent drought update highlights the urgent need for England’s potato industry to focus on replenishing irrigation reservoirs, as many are only 0-20% full. A temporary regulatory measure allows some growers to refill outside typical periods but requires compliance with environmental protections. The situation emphasizes the importance of water management for future production, stressing that separate assessments of past yields and future resource availability are crucial for planning.
Germany anticipates a significantly reduced potato harvest of about 10.4 million tonnes in 2026, down from 13.9 million tonnes in 2025. Weather factors and decreased planting area have influenced this decline. Industry representatives emphasize that while production is lower, it does not necessarily mean supply shortages due to existing demand, storage conditions, and market specifics. Further assessments will clarify how the crop meets market needs throughout the season.
The 1st International Potato Symposium in Madrid on October 5 gathered approximately 250 professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities within the potato sector. Organized by FEPEX and Europatat, the event focused on production, market developments, plant health, and sustainability. Key speakers addressed the complexities of potato production amidst climate change and resource pressures. The symposium emphasized collaboration across the value chain to address shared challenges and ensure a strong European potato sector in future policy discussions.
Elea Technology is showcasing its advancements in pulsed electric field (PEF) technology through various projects, including its insights from PEF Advantage Day 2026 and participation in WCE 2026. The event highlighted new process monitoring developments, featuring the PiCon Sense and PiCon Vision systems. Elea is collaborating with Kiron Food Processing Technologies to enhance potato processing in India. Upcoming events will provide opportunities to discuss PEF applications and innovations in food processing.
Europe’s seed-potato multiplication area has fallen to 105,155 hectares across six leading regions, but the headline decline tells only part of the story. The sharper contraction in major French-fry varieties, combined with certification risk and concentrated production, could shape planting choices in 2027. This article examines what the figures mean, what they do not prove, and why Europe’s seed growers remain essential to potato supply chains far beyond the continent.
The EU-4 potato harvest is projected to decline significantly this season, with an estimated production of 20.8 million tonnes, about 25% lower than last year due to reduced acreage and yields influenced by adverse weather and market conditions. This reduction impacts the European processing industry, although many contracts were secured prior to harvest, stabilizing prices somewhat. The effects on growers are direct, while processing costs remain complex and variable.
AGORÀ, developed by VAIMEE, helps potato growers optimize irrigation decisions by integrating crop, soil, weather, and management data. This decision-support system updates daily and can predict irrigation needs for up to three days ahead, relying on existing field data. A 2026 assessment in Italy compared AGORÀ’s recommendations with actual irrigation events, exploring various configurations to enhance timing, while keeping the grower involved in final decisions. The study didn’t assess the impact on crop yield or quality.
GB Potatoes, established four years ago following the dissolution of AHDB Potatoes, serves as an essential representative for potato growers in the UK, according to Emma Gillbard in Farmers Weekly. Chief executive Scott Walker highlights the organization’s critical role in filling the void left in industry advocacy. With robust support from the supply chain, GB Potatoes aims to expand its membership to enhance its influence and effectiveness.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing will showcase its flagship Evolution Separator at PotatoEurope 2026, hosted near Hanover, Germany, on September 9-10. The machine is designed for efficient crop cleaning, removing debris while minimizing damage. Celebrating its 1,000th unit sold, Scotts emphasizes the Evolution’s versatility across various crops. This event, focusing on practical agricultural technology, allows attendees to engage with Scotts at Stand GD40 to explore its applications further.
England and Wales are facing an exceptional drought that significantly impacts potato growers, causing reduced tuber sizes, heightened irrigation costs, and challenging harvesting conditions. Despite these pressures, there is no definitive national crop-loss estimate, highlighting regional variations in drought severity. While diminished yields are expected, the potato market is not collapsing; instead, it is under pressure with potential upward price movements and concerns regarding quality and tuber sizes.
Two prominent names in the potato industry, Haith and GRIMME, will co-exhibit at Potato Europe for the first time on September 9-10 in Springe, Germany. Haith will showcase its extensive range of potato handling machinery, emphasizing its quality and manufacturing standards. The collaboration aims to highlight the synergy between both companies, providing comprehensive solutions for the potato industry from planting to packing, fostering innovation and sustainability.
French potato growers are facing the lowest average yield in over 30 years due to extreme weather conditions, with projections showing a 14% decrease in yield for 2026. Factors such as heatwaves, drought, and reduced planted area could result in a 23% decline in production. Concerns about contract fulfillment and a potential economic loss of €400 million have prompted calls for government assistance. The outcome remains uncertain as harvest results become clear.
The Farmsort.one optical precision sorter revolutionizes potato classification by employing multiple IDS industrial cameras over a 1.5-metre inspection section. This system meets rising quality demands and labor shortages in agriculture by enabling multi-grade sorting based on size and quality in a single pass. It reduces manual resourcing, emphasizing repeated inspections and controlled handling, ensuring reliable assessments even in challenging conditions, thus optimizing overall throughput.
James Gray, CFO of Lamb Weston, has identified new cost pressures facing the French fries maker, notably linked to extreme weather in Europe impacting potato crops. Despite current supply coverage, potential shortages could heighten inflationary pressures from geopolitical conflicts. During a recent conference, Gray noted reduced yields due to early crop maturation and encouraged innovation in response to competitive restaurant markets.
North-Western Europe is facing severe challenges in potato production due to drought and extreme heat affecting countries like France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. With an estimated 11% reduction in planted area and intensified irrigation demands, crop growth has slowed significantly. The situation threatens yield and quality, leading to fears of tighter supply in the 2026 market if sustained rainfall does not occur soon.
Record drought conditions in England threaten the potato crop’s yield, tuber quality, and market availability, with about 71% of the country experiencing drought as of August 10. Challenges include reduced tuber bulking, smaller sizes, and difficulty meeting market specifications. Irrigation is crucial, yet access to water is becoming restricted. The situation calls for strategic water management to sustain potato production amid growing concerns over food security.
A recent report from GB Potatoes highlights the advantages British growers experience from extended potato-based rotations, which lead to improved economic performance and lower disease pressure. According to the report, these rotations can yield nearly 40 percent more food compared to cereal-based systems. Longer rotations, now prevalent in the UK, enhance disease resistance and sustainability, aiding farmers in producing nutritious food efficiently.
A late-June heatwave in Europe is raising significant concerns for potato crops, particularly in Spain, where heat stress and increased irrigation demands threaten yields. Reports indicate potential declines of 10% to 15% compared to optimal conditions, exacerbated by reduced planted areas. The broader impact of high temperatures and limited rainfall across Europe could intensify crop challenges. Future assessments will reveal the extent of damage, with critical factors including tuber bulking and soil moisture.
The prolonged spell of warm weather in Ireland this week has dampened home consumption of potatoes, according to the Irish Farmers Association’s latest Potato Market Report, issued on June 24. However, IFA noted that the food service sector should see a welcome boost as school holidays get underway next week. Queens are slowly coming onto the market, with demand reported[Read More…]
Elea Technology has launched new PiCon solutions to enhance real-time transparency and automation in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processes, especially within the food industry. A webinar on June 30 will introduce the PiCon Sense, Vision, and Flow tools, showcasing their potential to optimize cutting, monitor belt loads, and track resource consumption. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, product quality, and sustainability in PEF applications.
A leading food processing equipment group has acquired Tummers Group and Van der Giessen, strengthening its position in the potato processing industry. Combining the expertise of Kiremko, Idaho Steel, Reyco, Tummers, and Van der Giessen, the new entity aims for €400 million in annual revenue. This strategic move enhances innovation, sustainability, and customer support across global markets, focusing on resource efficiency and reducing costs in french fry and potato flake processing.
Greenvale, a major potato supplier, is experiencing a leadership transition as managing director David Rankin, who has been with the company for over 30 years and served as MD since 2022, departs for new opportunities. An interim leadership structure is in place to ensure continuity. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality products and growth within the Produce Investments Group, according to a recent statement.
Last week, Europatat held its annual Congress in Brussels, attended by 90 members. A new Board was elected for 2026-2030, appointing Peter Ton as President, alongside Vice-President Vlastimil Rasocha and Treasurer Francisco Moya. Key priorities include trade, plant health, food safety, and sustainability reporting. The 2025-2026 Activity Report was presented, detailing Europatat’s initiatives and is publicly accessible on their website.
