News on The Potato Supply Chain from Europe

Agricultores europeos protestan por la caída de precios causada por una cosecha abundante, menor demanda de papas fritas congeladas tras aranceles de EE. UU. y el aumento de la competencia de países como China e India, lo que pone en riesgo la rentabilidad y podría reducir la superficie de siembra.

Los agricultores galos se encuentran en alerta tras el recorte a los precios de los contratos de producción para industria los cuales trasladan más riesgos a su operativa.

Royal HZPC Group has finalized the acquisition of IPM Potato Group, following the initial announcement made in October 2025. With all required conditions now fulfilled, IPM officially becomes part of Royal HZPC Group.

Germans consume an average of 63 kg of potatoes per person each year, according to official statistics. However, an exceptional surplus from the most recent harvest has overwhelmed even Germany's traditionally strong demand for the crop.

'Maris Piper has had its day; or has it?' That was the provocative title of a GB Potatoes debate at the British Potato Industry Event, where industry leaders discussed whether the long-standing variety still has a place in modern potato production.

McCain Foods, the UK largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, has announced plans to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, home of McCain GB headquarters for more than 50 years.

The UK has officially eradicated the Colorado Beetle following two years of intensive surveillance and biosecurity activity. The pest was detected in Kent in July 2023, with one further finding later that year.

The NAV Working Group for Potatoes for Consumption (WCA) has again estimated the cost price for the coming season (2026). In recent years, from the 2022 harvest through 2025, potato growers have faced a significant increase in cost prices.

The protests by the productive sector managed to halt the ratification of the agreement, which will now have to be re-evaluated by the European courts before it can either move forward or be permanently shelved.

La siembra arranca en Castilla y León con el sector pendiente de los precios en origen, el aumento de los costes y la necesidad de una mejor planificación.

La sobreproducción en Centroeuropa, la caída de las exportaciones europeas de patatas congeladas y la competencia creciente de China e India han provocado un desplome del precio de la patata en España, hasta apenas 12 céntimos por kilo.

The European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) published its latest Facts and Figures for 2025, underlining the scale, economic impact and global trade reach of Europe’s potato processing industry.

A southern Alberta farmer has been invited to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, bringing Canadian agriculture into global discussions on resilient food systems. The annual forum concludes on Friday.

Belarus harvested 3 million tons of potatoes in 2025, down from 3.1 million a year earlier. While authorities say supplies are sufficient, experts warn imports may be needed by summer, potentially pushing prices higher.

Agricultores franceses protestaron contra el acuerdo UE–Mercosur arrojando toneladas de patatas frente al Parlamento, denunciando competencia desleal y exigiendo mayores salvaguardas para proteger a la agricultura europea.

Spain’s sweet potato supply is low due to weather, keeping demand and prices high. Marta Guerra’s nursery continues growing plants, noting rising consumer interest, strong Spanish quality vs imports, and ongoing water challenges.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

Mientras Bruselas destaca los beneficios comerciales y la reducción de aranceles para exportaciones agroalimentarias, agricultores y ganaderos anuncian movilizaciones y bloqueos ante el riesgo que el pacto supone para sus explotaciones.