No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
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.
Join Urschel at ProPak Vietnam from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, showcasing the Sprint 2 Dicer with Conveyor and the MicroAdjustable SL-14 Cutting Head. These innovative machines enhance food processing efficiency and precision. Discover the benefits of these cutting solutions for high-capacity operations and reduced waste at the Urschel booth. Learn more at Urschel.com.
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.
A new NetCredit study compares standard cheeseburgers and fries at 14 major U.S. fast-food chains and finds that value depends on more than menu price alone. Using patty and fries weights, published nutrition data, and normalized national pricing, the study ranks chains on cost per ounce, portion size, protein density, and calorie concentration. Whataburger led on burger value, Shake Shack topped fries value, and Five Guys served the largest fries portion.
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.
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.
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.
FPS Food Process Solutions has announced the addition of Southern Fabrication Works (SFW), a respected provider of custom industrial food processing equipment, particularly in the potato processing sector. This partnership enhances FPS’s capabilities with advanced technologies and comprehensive engineering solutions, allowing for improved end-to-end processing for customers globally. Both companies express enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to high-quality solutions.
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.
Potato processors already drive on-farm change through contracts and incentives – yet animal-welfare-linked outcomes remain largely outside potato procurement. This article proposes a practical solution: a paid, optional “Humane Addendum” added to existing grower programs, built around 3–5 measurable practices such as predator-safe rodent control, wildlife-aware field operations, durable habitat features, amendment sourcing integrity, and byproduct protocols. Success depends on clear payment triggers, lightweight verification, grower-led governance, and transparent reporting.
Michigan potato growers, along with those from ten other states, have gained expanded access to the South Korean market for table stock and chipping potatoes, as reported by Michigan Farm News. This development marks a significant milestone after a 19-year effort, previously allowing only certain states access. The National Potato Council estimates the fresh potato market in Korea could grow substantially, enhancing export opportunities under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
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.
Urschel will showcase its latest food processing machinery at ProPak Philippines from February 4-6, 2026. Featured products include the DiversaCut 2110® A Dicer for high-capacity cutting, the versatile Comitrol® Processor Model 1700, the KRONEN PL 40K Potato Peeler for root vegetables, the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer for various cuts, and the KRONEN KS-100 PLUS Centrifuge/Dryer. Visit Stand E21 to explore these solutions and enhance food processing efficiency.
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.
Potatoes, essential to American cuisine, have a deep-rooted history in Pennsylvania and over 30 other states, playing a vital role in agriculture and nutrition, as highlighted at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Nathan Tallman, CEO of the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers, emphasized the crop’s evolution through technology and consumer preferences, showcasing hundreds of potato varieties and numerous recipes that celebrate potatoes’ importance.
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.
The global French fries market has shifted dramatically, with Asia increasingly dominating due to falling prices and rapidly growing production in countries like China and India. Traditional producers in the US and Northwest Europe face challenges as low-cost exporters capture market share and average import prices in Asia decline. Despite overall robust demand for frozen potato products, structural overproduction in Europe and competitive pricing pressures complicate the landscape, prompting adaptations from established manufacturers.
FPS Food Process Solutions, in collaboration with GEM Equipment of Oregon, has introduced the GEM VersaFry, an innovative fryer designed for the snack and appetizer market. The VersaFry emphasizes safety, durability, and precision frying capabilities, accommodating various food products. Key features include an adjustable conveyor, easy sanitation access, and oil temperature management. This fryer aims to deliver low ownership costs and exceptional support within major food processing plants.
Urschel will attend the California League of Food Producers Food Processing Expo in Sacramento, California, February 4 – 5, 2026, showcasing two cutting systems for food processors: the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer with built-in discharge conveyor and the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer. Urschel says the DiversaCut supports continuous, high-capacity slicing, dicing, stripping and shredding, while the KRONEN unit offers gentle, adjustable cutting and washdown-friendly stainless design.
FPS Food Process Solutions is expanding globally, targeting the food manufacturing and technology market. In January 2026, FPS MEA will open a logistics center in Morocco, while GEM Equipment in Oregon is renovating its facility, expected to be completed by Spring 2026. Other expansions include locations in Brazil, China, and Europe, enhancing FPS’s capacity to innovate and advance food manufacturing by the end of 2026.
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. is closing its Munro, Argentina plant to consolidate production at a modern facility in Mar del Plata, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. Approximately 100 affected employees will receive severance. Additionally, a production line in the Netherlands will be temporarily curtailed. These moves align with the company’s Focus to Win strategy, focusing on market prioritization and strengthening customer partnerships.
Starting January 1, 2026, Italy and Asia will join the U.S., Mexico, Pakistan, and China in offering Urschel Cutting Machinery alongside KRONEN Systems. This partnership will enable Urschel’s customers access to KRONEN’s food processing solutions, enhancing their processing capabilities. Urschel aims to provide innovative cutting methods while maintaining a commitment to customer support, ensuring seamless integration of their robust product offerings in the market.
After publishing a great number of stories on Potato News Today this past year, a clear pattern has emerged: the potato industry’s biggest shift is not only technical or commercial, but conversational. This editorial explores how reporting is moving beyond events toward meaning, placing greater emphasis on people, context, candour, and long-term stewardship – without losing sight of yield, science, or economics.
