Potato News from the Netherlands

Flikweert Vision officially signed a dealership agreement with Volm Companies, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. The signing took place in Zeeland, where Volm’s Wayne DeCou and Matthew Alexander joined CEO Martijn Flikweert.

CêlaVíta, the Dutch chilled potato processor once owned by McCain, will not restart after bankruptcy. All 171 jobs are lost as the Wezep factory is dismantled and auctioned, marking the end of a well-known name in potato processing.

On September 25 and 26, 2025, Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Emmeloord, the Netherlands.

Sormac will showcase its cutting-edge fresh-cut processing tech at Pack Expo (Las Vegas, Sept 29–Oct 1, 2025) and Fruit Attraction (Madrid, Sept 30–Oct 2, 2025), featuring the BSM Belt Slicer, FS-3600 MultiSystem, and more live demos.

Mooij Agro launches Croptimiz-r MAX, a next-gen controller for crop storage. It manages up to 16 cells, automates climate control, cuts energy use, and protects crop quality. Key features include a 12” touchscreen, EVA assistant, and remote access.

On August 27, 2025, industry leaders met in the Netherlands for the conference Europe’s Place in a Changing Potato World, co-organised by Potato Europe, Europatat and World Potato Markets during Potato Europe 2025.

French Fries from McDonald’s may be world-famous, but they often grow just around the corner. Behind every portion of fries stand local farmers cultivating the potatoes, and Dutch entrepreneurs working together for more sustainable potato farming.

Developing countries like China and India are expanding potato processing, shifting from importers to exporters. Global frozen potato trade rose from USD 7.7B to USD 13.2B (2019–2024), with demand and per-capita consumption growing worldwide.

PotatoEurope 2025 set records with 17,268 visitors from 107 countries on Sept 3-4 in Lelystad, Netherlands. Live demos, trial fields, and top innovations like Croptimal’s Croptiscan 9000 highlighted the event. Next edition: Sept 9-10, 2026, Germany.

Tummers and PolySense partner to launch AI-powered, camera-based potato processing. Debuting on the Delta Roller Spreader, it boosts efficiency, cuts waste, and fuels Tummers Connect, the digital platform for smarter, data-driven operations.

PotatoEurope 2025 takes place 3–4 Sept. at WUR Lelystad with 300+ exhibitors & visitors from 119 countries. Highlights: trial harvests, ICM & market conferences, live demos from harvest to sorting, and innovation test fields.

Haith, a UK-based manufacturer of vegetable handling systems, will attend Potato Europe 2025 with its European representative, SWP Machinery. The company will present the 2026 Rota-Tip TE (top eject) at stand VD10.

Last week marked the start of the 2025 potato starch campaign at Aebe. Over the coming months, potatoes will be delivered six days a week to Royal Avebe’s factories

Investindustrial will acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, leading potato processing equipment makers. The deal unites 3 family-owned firms into a global platform, aiming for growth via integration, innovation, and expansion.

Following the successful introduction of the Spirit 9200i in 2024, AVR is now launching the Spirit 9200i VW: all the strengths of AVR’s most recent trailed harvester, completed with the patented Varioweb cleaning system.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Tolsma-Grisnich has moved to new sustainable premises at Cavalier 3, Emmeloord, uniting production, logistics & offices. The modern facility boosts efficiency & innovation. Official opening: 5 Sept for business relations, 6 Sept for the public.

Chilled Potato producer CêlaVíta has gone bankrupt. The Dutch company supplied pre-cut potatoes and pre-seasoned potato products to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants throughout Europe.