No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
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 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.
FPS Food Process Solutions (FPS) has partnered with Quality Engineered Solutions (QES) to enhance its portfolio by focusing on utilities-driven services. QES, with over 25 years of experience in ventilation for food and beverage processing and manufacturing, will improve FPS’s integrated global offerings. Rick Allen joins FPS as Director of Global Utilities to bolster utilities processes and engineering as the company responds to rising global demand.
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.
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.
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.
Wisconsin’s potato industry is facing a national oversupply and declining prices, despite steadier local market performance. While farmers see prices of $15.00 to $16.00 per hundredweight, uncontracted potatoes in regions like Idaho are as low as $2.00 to $3.00, well below the $12.00 breakeven point. The upcoming Grower Education Conference will focus on price issues and potential regulatory changes affecting crop-management tools, such as neonicotinoids.
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.
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.
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.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles expressed that current government aid is inadequate for specialty crop growers facing high input costs and low market prices. He noted that while the USDA is making efforts, the resources available fall short, with specialty crops needing around $5 billion amid expectations of receiving only $1 billion. Industry groups are collaborating with Congress to seek more support linked to upcoming legislation.
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.
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 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.
Thirty years after launching an early potato-industry website in 1996, Lukie Pieterse reflects on how the World Wide Web evolved into today’s always-on digital world – and how the potato community grew with it. The piece traces the shift from scarcity to information overload, arguing that trust, accuracy, and usefulness matter more than ever. At its core is a human story: friendships, mentorships, hard seasons, and a new generation inheriting both powerful tools and bigger responsibilities.
The National Potato Council says its Executive Committee unanimously approved a December 19, 2025 resolution asking the U.S. Trade Representative to launch a Section 332 fact-finding investigation into Canadian potato trade practices. NPC points to British Columbia’s more-than-40-year measure limiting U.S. potato exports – mainly from Washington – and says recent enhancements have caused millions in reported losses. The council also cites Midwest grower concerns about subsidies.
In 2026, the potato sector’s 2025 momentum will be tested by real-world execution. Key watchpoints include whether new processing capacity builds durable grower confidence through fair contracts and technical support; whether storage modernization improves quality, energy efficiency, and safety; and whether sustainability measurement becomes practical and beneficial for farmers.
In 2025, natural disasters and extreme weather reshaped the potato industry across multiple countries – with drought, floods, storms, hail, and water restrictions hitting yields, quality, and timing. The impact was not only fewer tonnes, but greater grade volatility, delayed planting and harvest windows, and higher storage risk from stressed tubers. From Maine’s drought disaster designation to Australia’s supermarket shortages, 2025 reinforced that resilience – water security, adaptable contracts, and stress-tolerant systems – is now a core business requirement.
This article argues that potatoes are entering a new era as science, technology, and market pressures converge. Faster, more precise breeding, emerging genetic tools, and measured agronomy are improving resilience and predictability under climate volatility. Storage is becoming instrumented and professionalized, reducing losses and protecting quality. Processing is expanding into high-value ingredients, while circular models turn by-products into revenue. Automation stabilizes labour-intensive operations.
Lamb Weston reported Q2 FY2026 net sales of $1.618 billion, up 1%, with net income rising to $62.1 million and diluted EPS at $0.44. Volume grew 8% as price/mix fell 8%, leaving constant-currency sales essentially flat. North America volumes improved enough to restart curtailed lines, while International profitability declined amid higher costs and Argentina start-up expenses. The company reaffirmed FY2026 guidance and raised its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.38.
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.
