No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
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.
First Choice Foods Ltd, based in Rupandehi, is set to expand its French fry exports from the US to the UK, Australia, and Japan by early 2026. Founded by Krishna Prasad Paudel, the company produces premium potato products under the Himalayan Crisp brand. To enhance production, it is collaborating with 35,000 farmers across 26 districts, providing training in potato cultivation and production techniques.
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.
A new review in the journal Foods by a team of Chinese scientists maps the global potato-processing industry through a Chinese lens. It contrasts high-processing regions in Europe and North America with China’s fast-growing but still underdeveloped sector. The authors detail product streams, technology gaps, sustainability pressures and policy drivers, arguing that automation, branding and greener processing will decide who captures future value in fries, chips, flakes and starch.
Potato growers are often seen as lagging behind corn and soybean farmers on climate-smart practices, yet the reality is more complex. This feature compares adoption trends across major potato regions, from North America and Europe to Asia, Africa and Latin America, and unpacks the structural, market and agronomic reasons behind the perceived gap. It highlights emerging leaders, processor and retailer pressure, and where potatoes may actually be ahead on resilience.
Mordor Intelligence’s new Potato Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends and Forecast (2025 – 2030) values the global potato commodity market at USD 120 billion in 2025, rising to about USD 145 billion by 2030. The study highlights steady, processing-led growth, with Asia-Pacific as the largest market and Africa the fastest-growing. Contract farming, climate-smart breeding, improved storage and emerging industrial uses for potato by-products all shape the market’s trajectory.
Consolidation is reshaping who holds power in the global potato chain, from fields to fry plants and retailers. A handful of processors, retailers, input multinationals and digital platforms dominate decisions on contracts, prices, varieties and standards, often squeezing growers, workers and communities. The article explains how this buyer power works in practice and outlines tools – from co-ops to fair trading rules and data governance – to rebalance the system.
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 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.
McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum, a specialty potato processor in Maine, focusing on its modern Washburn processing plant. This 115,000-square-foot facility, valued at over $32 million, specializes in premium frozen potato products and employs around 130 individuals. Though processing operations will be managed by McCain, the McCrum family’s farming business will remain independent under a long-term supply agreement, enhancing McCain’s North American presence.
Potato traceability is maturing, but value depends on execution, not buzzwords. Most gains come from standards-led, batch-level tracking using GS1/EPCIS and cloud platforms; blockchain adds weight mainly when retailers mandate consumer-facing transparency. Benefits include faster, narrower recalls, better supplier performance data, and selective brand trust. Costs, data quality, and network coordination remain hurdles. Expect QR codes on processed SKUs, with fresh supply chains prioritizing behind-the-scenes interoperability rather than item-level traceability.
The recent RUCIP webinar attracted about 65 participants from various sectors, focusing on updates regarding European potato trade rules for 2025. Organized by the National German RUCIP Committee, it highlighted the need for fair trading practices. Key features of the 2025 revision include legal clarity and streamlined processes. Expert insights and a Q&A session enriched the discussion, emphasizing continuous professional training for industry stakeholders.
The global potato market isn’t declining but evolving, with fresh and processed formats gaining and losing share respectively. While fresh potato consumption declines in many regions, processed varieties, particularly frozen products, are thriving. Retail strategies increasingly focus on convenience and premium offerings. As emerging markets grow, so does the importance of adapting to local consumer needs, indicating a shift in how potatoes are presented and consumed worldwide.
PepsiCo is closing two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando due to a decline in consumer demand for snacks. A WARN filing indicates that operations ceased on November 4, affecting 454 employees, with another warehouse set to close on May 9, 2026, impacting 46 workers. The decision reflects overall market changes and follows recent adjustments in the company’s operations amid slowing sales and increased promotions.
Steve Elfering highlights the long-term commitment of Potatoes USA to strengthen potato demand through various initiatives. These include collaborating with international companies, working with chefs to create innovative menu items, and investing in nutrition research. Potatoes USA aims to change perceptions around potatoes, educate healthcare professionals, and improve retail strategies. Elfering encourages industry involvement through board membership and participation in the Grower Survey for strategic focus.
The National Potato Council (NPC) expresses disappointment at the lack of U.S. market access for fresh potatoes in the recent U.S.-Japan agreement, citing Japan’s three-decade delays. NPC CEO Kam Quarles notes the missed opportunity to leverage Trump’s tariffs against Japanese protectionism. The economic impact on U.S. farms is significant, with losses exceeding $750 million. Dr. Julie Callahan recognizes Japan’s delays as a non-tariff barrier, emphasizing the need for policy change.
Canada’s largest grocery chains have failed to meet their 2025 cage-free egg sourcing commitments, raising concerns about sustainability and transparency in their supply chains. A Mercy For Animals report indicates that no major retailer achieved the goal, with some receiving failing scores. This situation highlights the necessity for strong standards, clear roadmaps, and verified pricing across categories, including potatoes, to maintain consumer trust and governance in sustainability efforts.
Belgium, Europe’s leading potato exporter, supplies over half of the UK’s imported processed potatoes, valued at €820m in 2024. Potatoes play a crucial role in Belgium’s culinary heritage, exemplified by the frietkot, which is recognized as national cultural heritage. With UK demand surpassing local production, Belgium’s sustainability-focused exports, particularly frozen varieties, have become essential. Adaptations to modern cooking trends, such as ready-to-cook formats, have further solidified Belgian potatoes as staples in UK households.
This report by Jurre de Haan, Frozen Potato Market Analyst at A-INSIGHTS, predicts global frozen processed potato consumption growth of 2.3% in 2025 and 3.0% annually through 2030. High prices have dampened demand, but trade volumes are bouncing back. Emerging markets will drive growth, though capacity delays and rising self-sufficiency may challenge imports and reshape market dynamics. Ongoing consumption analysis is vital for strategic business opportunities.
Swiss potato growers are facing a record surplus in the 2025 season after years of scarcity, attributed to favorable weather. This bounty has led to plummeting prices due to excess supply and strict quality standards, causing financial strain despite increased overall earnings. Creative solutions include direct sales and repurposing excess potatoes. However, climate change poses future risks, necessitating adaptive strategies. Stakeholders seek better forecasting and government support for sustainability.
Produce Investments (PI), a UK investment firm specializing in agri-tech and potato cultivation, has acquired Biofresh Safestore, a leader in fixed crop management systems. With over 20 years in sprout control, Biofresh enhances PI’s portfolio, particularly with Restrain’s natural sprout suppression technology. This merger aims to unify and expand offerings in sprout suppression, providing broader options for customers while advancing crop storage innovations for sustainable growth in Europe and globally.
