Tracking the latest in potato farming, processing, trade, innovation and more – your quick snapshot of developments in the potato world, with headlines at a glance and links to the full stories.

Mexican Buyers Strengthen Ties with the U.S. Potato Industry in Colorado

A delegation of Mexican importers, wholesalers, and retail representatives participated in the 2025 Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), organized by Potatoes USA in Colorado, from September 29 to October 2. The objective was to explore the U.S. fresh potato production chain, from farms in the San Luis Valley to packing centers, research facilities, and supermarkets in Denver. Mexico, the primary export market for U.S. fresh potatoes since full market access in May 2022, has experienced sustained import growth, with volumes doubling for varieties like russet and plans to introduce yellow and purple ones. The mission featured panels, seminars on consumption trends, and networking to bolster bilateral partnerships, emphasizing food safety, sustainability, and quality practices in key producing regions like Colorado and Idaho. This fosters innovation and expanded offerings for Mexican consumers.
Source: Agrolatam.com
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Potatoes: France exceeds 197,000 hectares in 2025, boosted by industry and exports

France’s potato conservation acreage (excluding early varieties) is set to exceed 197,000 hectares in 2025, a 10.3% increase from the prior year following a 7% rise in 2024. This growth is fueled by surging industrial demand across Europe, attracting new producers from regions like Ile-de-France and Picardie. As the world’s leading exporter and Europe’s second-largest producer behind Germany, France harvested 7.7 million tons in 2024, with industries processing 21% of output into products like fries and chips. Early potatoes add 50,000 tons annually, supporting both domestic and export markets.
Source: Pleinchamp
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Lamb Weston Frenzy Fries Win Gold at the 2025 National Restaurant Pub and Bar Show Innovation Challenge

Lamb Weston, a leading frozen potato processor, secured Gold for its Frenzy Fries at the 2025 National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show Innovation Challenge in London. The product, designed for experiential dining, impressed judges with its creativity and potential to boost foodservice sales. This win underscores the growing demand for innovative potato-based items in the commercial sector, where processors like Lamb Weston command a significant share of the USD 100+ billion global frozen potato market. The fries aim to enhance menu differentiation for restaurants, driving revenue amid rising consumer interest in premium, shareable snacks.
Source: PotatoPro
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Potatoes USA Seed Export Program Updates

U.S. seed potato exports grew 61% from July 2024 to March 2025, fueled by fresh market recovery and expanded access. Key highlights include successful Cuban trials resuming after a decade, Central American growth, and new Vietnamese shipments. The program supports global partnerships, emphasizing certified, disease-free seeds for commercial farming. Challenges like phytosanitary regulations persist, but innovations in storage and transport enhance competitiveness. This boosts U.S. agricultural trade, aiding processors and growers worldwide.
Source: Potatoes USA
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Potato prices have fallen in Northwest Europe

Potato prices in Northwest Europe plummeted from €300/ton in late February 2025 to €50/ton currently, due to 5% acreage growth (25,000 ha) amid uncertain exports. NEPG sales of frozen fries fell 1.8% in 2024, a historic drop excluding COVID, amid Asian competition from China and India (exports up tenfold in five years). High European prices, U.S. tariffs, and a weak dollar exacerbate issues. Producers warn of risks in expanding without matching industrial demand, urging alignment with processors.
Source: La France Agricole
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With the support of the industry, the potato is gaining strength in Argentina

Argentina’s potato industry is thriving with five major processors (McCain, Simplot, Pepsico, Lamb Weston, 5 Hispanos) driving tech and organizational advancements in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. 2023-2024 planted 84,700 ha, yielding mostly for domestic use, with 8% exported as processed products like pre-fried fries to Brazil. INTA Balcarce’s research supports high-quality varieties. Oversupply, reduced exports, and uncompetitive dollar hit producers, but industry backing fosters efficiency and contract farming for sustainability.
Source: Clarin
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Japan Meetings Focused on United States Fresh Potato Market Access

A U.S. potato industry delegation met with USDA officials in Japan to advance fresh potato market access, potentially unlocking $150 million in annual exports. Discussions addressed regulatory hurdles and trade barriers amid a government shutdown delaying key agriculture activities. The National Potato Council emphasized the economic impact for U.S. growers, with efforts to open markets stalled. This follows a large 2025 U.S. crop expected to reduce Canadian imports due to low prices. Global oversupply from high harvests in Europe and Asia is pressuring prices, while climate challenges deepen shortages in Australia.
Source: PotatoPro
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Rock-bottom prices: Belgian potato industry under pressure

Belgium’s potato industry faces crisis from oversupply and low demand, defying free-market assumptions. Contracted potatoes offer fixed prices pre-planting, but free-market volumes suffer from rock-bottom rates, impacting farmers, fry shops, and traders. Producers must find new strategies for sustainability, including better soil management and variety innovation. Global competition and climate variability add pressure, urging diversified markets and tech adoption for resilience.
Source: BRF Nachrichten
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U.S. Exports of Fresh, Frozen Potatoes Rose as Global Competition Increased Over July 2024-June 2025 Period

U.S. potato exports experienced mixed results from July 2024 to June 2025, with total volume declining 3.75% to 3.1 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent) and value decreasing 0.8% to $2.3 billion, per U.S. Department of Commerce data compiled by Trade Data Monitor. Frozen potato exports, comprising 49% of total volume, rose nearly 2%, while fresh potato exports increased over 1%, accounting for 20%. Declines were led by dehydrated potatoes (down 14.4%) and potato chips (down 13.4%), with seed potatoes falling 2.1%. The top six markets—Mexico, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines—represented 77% of exports. Global trade has grown since 2016, driven by China and India, with the U.S. holding an 18% market share among major exporters.
Source: Potatoes USA
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This daily roundup of breaking global potato news is curated and summarized by Lukie Pieterse, editor of Potato News Today, to keep readers up to date on the industry’s latest developments.
Image: Credit Katuschka from Pixabay