News on The Potato Supply Chain

People rarely think of Washington when talking about potatoes. Yet much of what happens in the fields— from fertilizer prices to seed genetics— is shaped, directly or indirectly, by decisions made in the U.S. capital.

Egyptian sweet potatoes are gaining ground in Europe as demand rises. Short transit times, lower costs, and better storage boost supply. Dutch production struggles with low yields, while growing consumer interest and ready-to-eat trends drive market growth.

Robotics, imaging, sensors and data-driven tools will lead fruit and vegetable innovation at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026. The FRUTIC Science Symposium on 6 February will highlight advances shaping global horticultural production and postharvest management.

El sector papero colombiano atraviesa una crisis de rentabilidad marcada por precios bajos, clima incierto y falta de planificación, lo que obliga a replantear la producción para evitar pérdidas y asegurar el futuro del cultivo.

Sweet potatoes have a long and meaningful history in the United States. Originating in Central and South America, the crop reached North America centuries ago and quickly became valued for its resilience, nutritional density, and natural sweetness.

La Asociación Brasileña de Papa en Fresco (ABBIN) se propone un objetivo ambicioso, aumentar el consumo de papa fresca un 50% en tres años, pasando de 4 kg por person por año, a 6 kg.

For India’s French-fry industry, the journey to global excellence begins not in the plant but in the field. Every step - from aerating seed stores to loading trucks - defines the quality that reaches international markets.

Banas Dairy and BBSSL signed an MoU to build a seed-to-market potato value chain, producing certified seed potatoes and promoting cooperative growth to boost farmer productivity, innovation, and income under the 'Sahakar se Samriddhi' vision.

Nepal’s First Choice Foods has begun exporting its “Himalayan Crisp” and “Hamro Fries” French fries to the United States marking a stunning milestone for the country’s food industry.

SolEdits and Lyckeby have developed CRISPR-edited potatoes with storage-stable starch, removing the need for chemical modification. Once allowed in the EU, this innovation can save 5,000 tonnes of chemicals yearly in Sweden and up to 75,000 across the EU.

EarthFresh launches Canada’s first-ever Butter Potatoes—Butter Golds, Reds, and Russets—offering naturally creamy, buttery flavor with no added butter needed. Available nationwide in sustainable packs, they redefine taste, texture, and versatility.

xFarm Technologies, a Swiss digital agriculture specialist, will participate in Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover (Nov 9–15). At stand D32, Hall 21, the company will showcase new digital, AI-driven and IoT solutions for smarter, sustainable farming.

Farm Frites has selected Dooen in Victoria as the site for its Australian potato processing plant. The plant will become Farm Frites Asia-Pacific manufacturing hub. The project has now received planning approval from the Victorian Government.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

Around 65 participants, ranging from growers and traders to processors, joined today’s German-language RUCIP Webinar 2025 to learn about the latest updates to the European trade rules for potatoes (RUCIP) and their practical implementation in Germany.

Bangladesh faces a potato surplus as industrial use remains limited. Only 3–4% of production is processed, leaving farmers with losses of BDT 10–15/kg. Experts urge investment in processing, storage, and diversification to boost farmer income.

The 2025 table potato storage season emphasizes energy-efficient, quality-focused storage. Using Tolsma Grisnich solutions, smart ventilation, and precise temperature control reduces costs, weight loss, and sprout inhibitor use, boosting yield and profits despite market challenges.

Just ten years ago, 66% of the potato chips consumed in Latin America were imported from Europe; the remaining 34% came from local factories. Today, the ratio has reversed: 66% are produced in the region and only a third arrive from overseas.