No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
Chick-fil-A sources most of its frozen french fries from Idaho’s Lamb Weston, a company facing numerous challenges such as droughts and increased foreign competition. Farmers like Kamren Koompin are adapting through scientific advances while struggling with fluctuating prices, federal nutrition guidelines, and a movement against processed foods. Despite their productivity, farmers are experiencing price depressions, impacting their financial stability amid rising production costs.
In 2026, North American potato growers are navigating reduced acreage and strong but uneven demand, particularly in the US where plantings fell by over 3%. While Canadian acreage remains stable, the industry faces challenges like production costs, climate variability, and trade uncertainty. Enhanced processing capacity shapes market dynamics, yet profitability relies on balanced supply and demand. The key is aligning production adequately to sustain the industry’s viability amid evolving consumer preferences and market conditions.
At mid-year, the global potato industry faces a cautious second-half outlook. Europe is trying to reset after oversupply, North America is watching processor demand and new-crop signals, and emerging frozen fry exporters such as China, India, and Egypt are changing trade dynamics. Weather stress, fertilizer costs, storage risk, and quality will likely determine whether 2026 ends in better balance or renewed pressure.
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…]
The global frozen potato snacks market is experiencing growth driven by consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-cook options and the influence of busy lifestyles. Key products include french fries and tater tots, enhanced by advancements in freezing technology and packaging. Opportunities in retail and foodservice, along with a focus on healthier and sustainable options, are noted. Strategic partnerships and online grocery shopping further support market expansion.
The potato harvest in Andalusia has decreased by 5%, roughly 10,000 hectares, due to severe storms. Despite this, yields are projected to surpass those of 2025. Marco Román from Asociafruit voiced concerns over the market dominance of low-quality French potatoes, which contain harmful acrylamide levels and are priced the same as new potatoes. The upcoming Fruit Attraction fair will spotlight potatoes, celebrating their global agricultural significance.
The frozen potato market is undergoing significant changes as growth persists amidst price, margin, and demand pressures. A recent report outlines shifting consumer behavior and regional economic impacts, revealing reduced market value despite a volume increase. Geographic disparities in demand and rising costs complicate the landscape. Future growth remains expected but at a slower rate, highlighting the need for processors to adapt and focus on genuine consumption trends for informed strategies.
Calbee, Japan’s largest snack maker, will change the packaging of select products to black and white due to supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. The move affects certain snacks like potato chips and shrimp-flavored Kappa Ebisen, but the products themselves remain unchanged. This decision, effective May 25, aims to ensure product stability amidst ongoing tensions that have impacted global supply chains.
This article examines where value is truly created and retained in the potato sector. It argues that profitability depends not only on growing potatoes efficiently, but on capturing more value through storage, processing, logistics, premium fresh categories, ingredient functionality, and stronger market alignment. Using Canada and broader industry trends as context, it shows that the future of the potato economy will be shaped by strategy, differentiation, and value chain discipline.
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.
In celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday, the Idaho Potato Commission and County Fair Foods revealed the world’s largest Idaho® potato display, featuring 250,000 potatoes, symbolizing America’s agricultural legacy. Unveiled before National Tater Day, the display represents the significant role of Idaho potatoes in American diets. The event, also supporting hunger relief through Feeding South Dakota, showcased community spirit and local pride while honoring American farmers and the nation’s history.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Little Potato Company celebrates its 30th anniversary by launching a new logo symbolizing its growth and mission to “Feed the World, Better.” Founded in 1996, it has evolved from a small father-daughter business to a trusted North American brand known for quality, sustainability, and innovation. CEO Angela Santiago reflects on the journey, emphasizing gratitude for their partners and commitment to family values and thoughtful growth. Celebrations and campaigns are planned for 2026.
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.
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.
Entering 2026, the “Age of the Potato” article argues that converging pressures and breakthroughs are elevating potatoes from staple to strategic asset. Climate volatility, food security needs, precision breeding, smarter storage, and expanding processing are unlocking higher yields, nutrition, and ingredients. Beyond food, potato starch and by-products are feeding bioplastics, adhesives, paper, textiles, and pharma-cosmetics pathways. If innovation stays grounded, verified, and inclusive, potatoes can help reorganize food and materials systems.
Potato News Today is launching the Living Dictionary of the Potato Industry, curated and compiled by Lukie Pieterse. This practical, plain-language reference hub is designed to help potato professionals across the value chain align terminology and reduce confusion. The Dictionary launches with an initial 800 core terms – 100 terms in each of eight sections – covering everything from agronomy and storage to trade, crop protection, sustainability, and data. It will expand over time, with reader suggestions welcomed.
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.
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.
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.
Lamb Weston celebrates its 75th anniversary by launching a retail range in Singapore, its first entry into Southeast Asia, offering four fry styles exclusively at FairPrice. The fries feature the innovative Stealth™ batter for enhanced crispiness and are Halal-certified, vegan, and gluten-free. The company emphasizes sustainability with thinner packs made from renewable materials. Introductory offers and sampling events will promote these products, showcasing Lamb Weston’s commitment to quality and innovation in home dining.
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.
