Europe, UK, Ireland

‘Potato risk management more important than ever’

Potato production in the UK faces significant risks due to weather volatility and reduced farming subsidies, as discussed in a recent GB Potatoes webinar. Experts highlighted the importance of innovative risk management strategies, such as parametric insurance, which offers quicker payouts based on measurable weather events rather than traditional assessments. This new coverage aims to provide essential financial protection for growers, allowing them to safeguard their crops against increasingly unpredictable conditions.

April 14, 2026

Bord Bia: Social media ‘influencing growing interest in potatoes’ in Ireland

Social media and digital food trends are significantly boosting interest in potatoes, says Bord Bia’s horticulture team. Trends like loaded jacket potatoes and cheese-stuffed sweet potatoes have gained traction among users. Younger consumers use digital platforms for recipe inspiration, relying heavily on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This illustrates a responsive audience and highlights opportunities for repositioning potatoes in modern meal solutions.

April 6, 2026

Targeted virus testing set to modernise Scotland’s seed potato industry

Scotland’s plant health authorities are implementing targeted post-harvest virus testing for the Cara seed potato variety to manage rising virus levels and modernize plant health inspections. David Kenyon from Sasa highlights a significant increase in virus infections between the fourth and fifth generations of crops. This initiative aims to improve understanding and management of virus presence, particularly for the widely grown variety known for its susceptibility to potato leaf roll virus.

April 3, 2026

EUROPLANT ‘drives market-oriented potato varieties across Europe’

EUROPLANT showcases its innovative capabilities by turning advanced breeding results into successful market launches through collaboration across its European teams. Notable varieties include CORINNA and MONIQUE, which excel in the ware potato market, and JELLY, known for its robust dual-purpose performance and drought tolerance. VINDIKA, featuring dual nematode resistance, has also gained traction in the French market, emphasizing quality and production reliability.

April 2, 2026

After IFE 2026, Warnez and The Potato Chef leave a clear message: convenience now drives potato value

At IFE 2026 in London, Belgian potato suppliers Warnez and The Potato Chef highlighted the industry’s shift towards convenience, differentiation, and practical formats for modern consumers. They emphasized that the potato trade is evolving from traditional metrics like supply and price, towards ease of use, sustainability, and distinctive offerings. Their focus on innovative, quick-preparation products signals a need to adapt to changing consumer habits and heightened competition in the market.

April 2, 2026

Home comforts win out as majority of Brits prefer sofa to socialising

New research indicates that 62% of Britons now prefer nights in over going out, with older adults being less inclined to stay home. Women (64%) favor staying in more than men (59%). Many find joy in simple pleasures like easy meals and quiet evenings. A shift towards simpler, quicker meals at home is evident, with Lamb Weston chips seen as a convenient choice for enjoyable weeknight dinners.

March 25, 2026

Choosing the best spiral roller for your Evolution Separator

The Evolution Separator by Scotts Precision Manufacturing features spiral rollers essential for effectively separating soil, stones, clods, and haulm from crops. The rollers operate with varying aggressiveness levels tailored to different soil conditions and crop types. Their design includes self-cleaning properties and customizable combinations for efficiency. Options include various rib configurations, shaft sizes, and colors, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in diverse agricultural settings.

March 25, 2026

Elea launches new video highlighting real‑world PEF benefits

Elea Technology GmbH has launched a new video interview featuring Tomislav Lukačević, Investment Director at Kanaan d.o.o., highlighting their partnership and the advantages of Elea Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology in potato chip production. Since 2018, Kanaan has benefited from improved quality and performance through PEF, which enhances processing by creating electroporation in raw potatoes, leading to better cuts and reduced equipment wear.

March 25, 2026

European potato market under pressure: Potato prices fall below zero

The European potato market faces a significant surplus, leading to growers incurring disposal costs as demand weakens due to competition from Asia and unfavorable tariffs. High yields from 2025 have resulted in excess stocks, with many growers opting to sell early instead of storing potatoes, further inflating market pressures. Current efforts in Belgium and France aim to address this surplus, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments in production and marketing to stabilize the market.

March 25, 2026

Elea introduces the new PEF Advantage C 2000‑600: Setting a new benchmark in large‑caliber crop processing

Elea Technology GmbH introduces the PEF Advantage C 2000-600, a high-throughput system designed for industrial processing of large crops like sugar beet and potatoes. With a 600 × 600 mm treatment channel, it offers up to 150 t/h capacity, ensuring efficient and reliable PEF treatment. Its stainless-steel design allows adaptation for indoor and outdoor use, while a robust generator and advanced control platform enhance performance and operational safety.

March 13, 2026

Registration opens for EAPR 2026 Warsaw meeting as organizers invite potato scientists and students

Registration and abstract submission are now open for the joint EAPR Agronomy & Physiology and Post Harvest meeting, to be held June 16 – 19, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland. Organizers say the meeting will address agronomy, physiology, precision agriculture, postharvest assessment, storage and processing. Early bird registration closes March 16, while abstract submission and regular registration close April 7. EAPR will also offer fee waivers to eight PhD students.

March 12, 2026

Rebalancing Europe’s potato market: Will 2026 bring a managed ‘middle ground’ – or a risky overcorrection?

Europe’s potato market appears to be moving into a correction phase after clear oversupply in 2025/26, with planted area now the key variable for 2026/27. The most likely outcome is a managed rebalancing rather than an outright shortage. Still, the risk of overcorrection remains if acreage cuts coincide with lower yields, storage losses, or quality problems, especially in a processing sector that handles about 7.5 million tonnes annually.

March 4, 2026

Prepare your Scotts machinery for a strong season ahead

As spring approaches, it’s essential to review and service Scotts machinery to prevent downtime and ensure readiness for the upcoming busy season. During this transitional period, common wear on parts can be addressed through visual and operational checks. Planning for early maintenance, including inspections and part replacements, maximizes equipment efficiency. By taking proactive measures now, farms can protect uptime and extend the life of their machinery for a productive season ahead.

March 3, 2026

Solynta and EW GROUP reach major funding agreement to boost Hybrid True Potato Seed commercialization

Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has secured major growth funding, with a majority stake acquisition by EW Group. This partnership aims to double global potato yields while reducing land use and crop protection needs. The funding will enhance Solynta’s hybrid potato breeding platform and accelerate technology adoption. Both companies emphasize the importance of innovation to address agricultural challenges and improve global food security.

February 26, 2026

EuroBlight releases first 2025 late blight genotype snapshot: EU36 still leads as EU46 expands across more countries

EuroBlight has released its first monitoring results for the 2025 potato season, based on more than 1,200 genotyped Phytophthora infestans samples. EU36 remains the dominant genotype across much of western and central Europe, though its overall frequency fell versus 2024. EU43’s decline has stabilised, with a notable jump in France and first detections in Switzerland and Latvia. EU46 increased and expanded geographically. Diverse “Other” types surged in northern and eastern regions.

February 25, 2026

Sustainable spuds: Lower-carbon potatoes hit Britain’s shelves as Branston partners with Tesco on net-zero project

A pioneering low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has grown its first crop of sustainable Georgina potatoes, set to hit Tesco stores this week, in collaboration with Branston. Utilizing innovative techniques like circular economy fertilisers and HVO fuel, the farm achieves over 50% lower carbon emissions while maintaining quality. The initiative aims to advance net-zero farming practices and will explore further innovations for future crops to enhance sustainability.

February 25, 2026

Europe’s potato reality check: Surplus pressure, export competition, and the 2026 pivot

Europe’s potato sector in early 2026 is under clear surplus pressure, but the impact is uneven. Contracted potatoes have cushioned many growers while free-buy volumes face harsh spot-market realities in Northwest Europe’s processing belt. Processing remains a global strength, yet export markets – especially frozen fries – are more contested, tightening Europe’s ability to clear excess supply. Storage outcomes, disease risk, and 2026 planting intentions now shape the short-term pivot.

February 24, 2026

Scotts Precision Manufacturing invests in new 600sqm logistics and assembly facility for future growth

Scotts Precision Manufacturing is set to complete a new 600sqm logistics and assembly facility by summer 2026, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable growth. This facility will enhance parts reception, improve material flow, and allow for efficient final assembly, supporting the company’s expanded product range beyond pre-cleaning equipment into new markets. Managing Director Derek Scott emphasizes that this investment will significantly enhance operational efficiency and capacity for future growth.

February 20, 2026

UK grower backs collaborative approach to resilient potato varieties

Andrew Francis, managing director of Home Farm Nacton, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach in developing new potato varieties. Involvement from growers early in the process helps identify potential issues and maximizes outcomes. Francis collaborates with multiple packers and retailers, including Manor Fresh for enhancing Maris Piper. He also advocates for workshops among growers to share knowledge. Chairing the LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee, he underscores collaboration in improving environmental standards alongside farm economics.

February 19, 2026

Precision placement: Protecting potato yields with smarter granule and fertiliser delivery

Precision placement of granules in potato treatments is crucial for protecting crops and maintaining health, especially amid challenging spring conditions. With soil pests and nutrient challenges, accurate nematicide application is essential. Techneat Engineering highlights their advanced applicators, ensuring effective placement and compliance. Their equipment, designed for precision agriculture, meets the growing demands for efficiency, offering multi-use capabilities across various farming applications, while supporting sustainability and cost-effectiveness in nutrient management.

February 19, 2026

Branston bids farewell as general manager hands over to new leadership

Branston potato supplier announces the retirement of Jonathan Taylor, general manager of its South West site, in March 2026, after nearly ten years of overseeing significant transformation. He will be succeeded by Simon Jones, previously operations manager, who has been with the company since 2012. Taylor reflects on a successful tenure marked by doubled turnover and a £9 million investment. He leaves confident in Jones’ ability to continue this growth.

February 18, 2026

Albert Bartlett expands range with White Roosters: Limited-edition line is going into Sainsbury’s nationwide

Albert Barlett has introduced a limited-edition White Rooster potato bag, as reported by Michael Barker on Fruitnet. Available in 1.5kg bags at select Sainsbury’s stores in the UK, this variant complements the Red Rooster range. It boasts a light, fluffy texture and smooth white skin, making it versatile for various dishes and positioning it as a strong alternative to the Maris Piper.

February 16, 2026

Elea Technology welcomes federal circuit ruling as catalyst for future PEF innovation and market growth

Elea Technology, a leader in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing, praises a recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling which clarifies patent issues, enhancing confidence among processors. The decision affirms the invalidity of certain patent claims, enabling a focus on PEF technology’s benefits, such as improved efficiency and sustainability. Elea’s advancements, including the PiCon AI optimization platform and applications in fruit oil extraction, demonstrate its commitment to innovation and global support for PEF users.

February 16, 2026

The EU acreage squeeze: A defining season for supply, trade, and processor strategy

This article examines potato acreage reduction across the European Union as a central issue for the current marketing cycle. It outlines how fewer planted hectares may tighten raw supply, increase competition among processors and buyers, and raise volatility in contract and spot pricing. It also explores likely consequences for trade flows, grower decision-making, and risk management, emphasizing the need for early planning, realistic yield assumptions, and disciplined procurement strategies across the value chain.

February 16, 2026

FAM STUMABO reinforces its role as a global partner for processors at Fruit Logistica 2026

At Fruit Logistica 2026, FAM STUMABO addressed critical challenges faced by fruit and vegetable processors, such as labor scarcity and rising quality demands. The company’s consultative approach emphasizes automation and integrated cutting solutions to enhance operations. With a focus on validated outcomes, processors seek reliable partners for effective investments. FAM STUMABO aims to deliver consistent quality and performance through tailored technologies and local testing facilities, ensuring effective results for clients.

February 10, 2026