No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
A-Insights is hosting a webinar for food manufacturers on February 19, 2026, focusing on five critical trends impacting growth and strategy ahead of 2026. Presenters Shaun Wilken and Eralp Calhan will guide discussions on issues like weight-loss drugs, trade wars, and regulatory pressures. Attendees will gain insights on market signals, risk management, and growth opportunities, making it crucial for industry stakeholders, including the potato value chain. Registration is open online.
Urschel will showcase six advanced food processing machines at Fruit Logistica from February 4-6, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Featured equipment includes the TranSlicer 2520 and E TranSlicer Cutters, DiversaCut 2110A and Sprint 2 Dicers, the CCLL high-capacity lattice slicer, and the Comitrol Disc Mill 380. These cutting solutions enhance production efficiency for commercial food processors. Visit booth C-30 in Hall 1.1 to explore these innovations further.
TOMRA Food has introduced the Dry Peel Separator-16 (DPS-16), a high-capacity peeling machine that processes up to 70 tons of potatoes per hour. Designed for efficiency, it utilizes a unique no-water peeling method, enhancing operational flexibility across various vegetable sizes. The brushless design minimizes maintenance, while easy access simplifies cleaning. With over 45 years of steam peeling experience, TOMRA continues to deliver reliable, scalable solutions for food processors.
The average price of deep frozen French fries in the EU dropped to €1,206 per tonne in October 2025, the lowest in three years, boosting demand in most EU-4 countries. Belgium became the cheapest producer, while Germany had the highest price. Overall, export volumes increased except in France. However, November figures showed a 6.5% decline. Non-EU competition remains challenging, but some markets, like Africa and South America, increased orders.
FPS Food Process Solutions has acquired Symotab Kft, a Hungarian company specializing in advanced coating technology for protein and snack applications. Symotab’s 3-in-1 CombiCoater combines several coating functions into one compact system, addressing space and efficiency challenges for modern food processors. This partnership enhances FPS’s offerings and aims to develop innovative solutions for the industry. Both companies will showcase the CombiCoater at the IPPE 2026 in Atlanta.
EUPPA has released its 2025 Facts and Figures fact sheet, quantifying the scale and reach of Europe’s potato-processing sector. The association says its members represent more than 90% of Europe’s processed potato production. The snapshot reports €9.8 billion in annual turnover, 7.5 million tonnes of fries and potato-derived products produced, and 25,000 jobs linked to 51 facilities. It also highlights major export volumes and strong concentration among top exporting countries.
A farm in Saxony, Germany has 4,000 tons of potatoes left unsold after a trader misjudged market demand, resulting in a surplus. Although the financial transactions were completed, the potatoes could not be sold. Now, efforts are underway to prevent waste, with the first truckload heading to Berlin for free distribution, organized in partnership with Ecosia and Berliner Morgenpost. Registration for collection has ended.
Europatat is hiring a Freelance Data Manager to support its Brussels team in data analysis and advocacy for the European potato sector. The role involves collecting, managing, and analyzing data related to potato trade and sustainability. Responsibilities include monitoring EU statistics, liaising with partners, analyzing trends, and preparing reports. The Data Manager will also enhance Europatat’s internal databases.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing emphasizes engineering excellence with its flagship Evolution Separator, addressing modern potato production challenges like labor shortages and sustainability. The highly adjustable machine improves cleaning efficiency while protecting tuber integrity. Alongside innovative products like the Terra-Siv De-Soiler and Microlift Pro, Scotts provides solutions to enhance yield and reduce damage.
The UK government announced the successful eradication of the Colorado beetle, a major potato pest, following its discovery in Kent in July 2023. There were no further finds over two years, leading to the declaration of eradication status. Continuous vigilance from farmers and the public, alongside effective biosecurity measures, were crucial. Officials urge ongoing reporting of suspected sightings to prevent future threats to crops.
The renewal process for glyphosate’s licence in Great Britain is at a crucial point, with a public consultation from the Health and Safety Executive scheduled for early next year. This consultation will allow input on a scientific dossier from the Glyphosate Renewal Group, aiming for approval by late 2026. Farming organisations advocate for glyphosate’s continued use, emphasizing its importance for food security and farm viability.
As the festive season nears, Ireland’s food service sector is seeing increased demand, particularly for pre-packed potatoes, despite quality concerns linked to dry growing conditions. In the U.K., the hospitality trade remains challenging, with low demand from small retailers. Growers await contract price confirmation, impacting seed and land decisions. Additionally, shipping delays hinder potato exports to the Canaries, disrupting supplier schedules.
The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) conference will be held on February 5 in Dundee, marking its 27th edition. The event focuses on innovation and adaptation in potato production, featuring speakers from the UK and Japan, including insights on water scarcity and clothes made from potato harvest waste.
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with the University of York and Université Libre de Bruxelles, have identified how the destructive pathogen Phytophthora infestans evades plant defenses. By using AA7 oxidases, the pathogen disables plants’ early warning systems. This discovery offers promising avenues for enhanced crop protection, crucial for addressing global food security challenges, particularly as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities in agriculture.
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute, alongside Grampian Growers and Aberdeen University, are developing the Phytoscosmo project to convert potato shaws into valuable ingredients for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Approximately 51,200 tonnes of these plant byproducts are produced annually, presenting significant revenue opportunities. The initiative promotes sustainable, tobacco-free sourcing of solanesol, ultimately supporting the Scottish economy and enhancing agricultural resilience.
A new IndexBox report forecasts modest growth in Europe’s potato volumes but stronger gains in market value through 2035. Consumption and production remain concentrated in a handful of key countries, while harvested area continues to shrink, offset by higher yields. Intra-European trade is expanding, led by Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and rising import and export prices are expected to drive most of the market’s future value growth.
Since its inception in 1949, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE) Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards has created over 120 quality standards for various agricultural products. Recently, revised standards for seed potatoes and other items were adopted, crucial for enhancing global trade. The updated seed potato standard improves certification processes, disease control, and traceability. This revision aims to boost productivity and food security.
French fry exports from EU-27 countries fell 5% in September 2025, totaling 148,500 tonnes, attributing significant drops to the UK and Asian markets. Conversely, African exports increased by 30%. Price pressure intensified; the average cost declined to €1,115 per tonne, a 10% drop. Notably, France saw a 12% export increase due to higher production capacity, while Belgium’s figures fell 5.8% over the year.
IndexBox’s latest report shows the European Union frozen potato market continuing to grow steadily through 2035, with modest volume gains but stronger value growth driven by higher prices. Germany, France and the Netherlands lead consumption, while Belgium and the Netherlands dominate production and exports. Romania emerges as the fastest-growing market. Trade volumes remain high and both import and export prices hit record levels in 2024, with further increases expected.
The Potato Industry Confidence Survey, initiated by GB Potatoes, aims to assess business confidence, growth trends, and future challenges in Britain’s potato sector. Fred Searle notes that this survey will provide essential nationwide benchmarks of potato cultivation, offering insights into production levels, operational realities, and environmental impacts. Open until January 16, 2026, it seeks to inform investment decisions and industry developments. Growers can participate online.
German potato farmers are facing frustration despite a record harvest, as increased yields and cultivated areas have led to excessive market supply and falling prices. Farmer Fabian Wigger highlights the challenge of unsold potatoes, with some growers allowing crops to rot or diverting them to biogas plants. Wigger, relying on direct sales, must still adjust prices due to retail changes, noting the unprecedented storage issues his farm faces.
Record crops in western Europe have flipped the potato market from shortage to surplus, driving free-buy prices down and pushing surplus tonnes into feed, biogas and waste outlets. This article unpacks the causes of the glut, its impact on farmers, processors, traders, retail and consumers, and contrasts Europe’s situation with tighter or rebuilding markets in North America, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, outlining what the sector must change next.
Representatives from Brazil’s seed sector met with Dutch officials to explore regulatory and technical cooperation, particularly regarding seed potatoes. The meeting introduced Brazilian delegates to Dutch representatives Alf de Wit and Inge Horsmeier, discussed phytosanitary requirements for importing seed potatoes, and highlighted the planned visit by the Dutch Secretary of Defense to discuss plant health. A memorandum of understanding aims to enhance innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
The European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) will host a joint Agronomy, Physiology and Post Harvest sections meeting in Warsaw, Poland, from 16–19 June 2026. The event will focus on field agronomy, plant physiology, storage and processing under changing climate and market conditions. Registration and abstract submission open in December 2025, with deadlines on 31 March 2026, and limited financial support planned for attending PhD students and early-career research community.
The UK potato market, as reported by Craig Elliott at Expana, is focusing on quality amid significant availability for the 2025/26 season. Prices have declined but recently rose 3.5% for Maris Piper potatoes due to bruising issues. Oversupply and quality scrutiny are leading to market volatility, with growers facing challenges from early sprouting potatoes. Price dynamics may shift as quality concerns evolve.
