News By Region

Meeting the fresh challenge: How FAM STUMABO’s trio of machines is transforming vegetable processing

September 11, 2025

Fresh-cut vegetable processors face increasing pressure to optimize cost, consistency, and speed. FAM STUMABO addresses these challenges with its Dorphy, Centris 315, and Flexis machines, designed for efficient and versatile operations. These machines excel in cutting various vegetables with speed and precision, reducing waste and enhancing product quality. The trio allows for quick changeovers and supports both small-batch and high-volume production, ensuring processors maintain competitive edge while meeting market demands for appealing, fresh-cut products.

Record-breaking edition of PotatoEurope Netherlands 2025: The international potato world gathers in Lelystad

September 11, 2025

PotatoEurope 2025, held on September 3-4 in Lelystad, welcomed 17,268 visitors from 107 countries, making it a record event for the global potato industry. The trade fair highlighted advancements in technology and practices, including a live optical sorting demo. Croptimal’s Croptiscan 9000 won the Innovation Award for its disease-detection capabilities. The event also featured key conferences that fostered international networking and collaboration, emphasizing the sector’s optimistic future and resilience.

The ‘Storictionary’: A potato storage lexicon – from airflow anatomy to ‘sproutlogic’ and beyond

September 4, 2025

The article by Lukie Pieterse emphasizes the importance of efficient potato storage management amid changing environmental and regulatory conditions. It introduces a “Storictionary,” a tool that compiles key terms and definitions to improve communication and operational clarity among storage teams. By simplifying complex concepts into actionable language, the initiative aims to enhance safety, streamline processes, and bolster compliance across the industry. Ultimately, the author expresses gratitude to the personnel responsible for maintaining potato quality throughout the season.

Potatoes NZ conference attendees visit Wyma facility

August 26, 2025

On August 12th, Wyma hosted potato growers and industry professionals at their facility during the Potatoes NZ conference. The event showcased Wyma’s evolution into a global agricultural technology provider, highlighting international projects and strategic partnerships. Attendees toured the facility, impressed by its manufacturing capabilities and advanced equipment. The visit fostered networking, enabling discussions on industry challenges and collaboration opportunities. Wyma invites professionals to explore their operations for post-harvest processing solutions.

Potato mop top virus detected at second Tasmanian site as states band together to stop spread

August 26, 2025

Tasmanian potato growers are preparing for potential trade restrictions after the detection of the potato mop top virus, which has impacted crops for a second time. Found in the north-west and confirmed at a southern research farm, this virus distorts potato flesh but poses no health risk. Biosecurity officials are tracing the connected properties, with discussions about restricting seed potato movements underway, raising concerns within the industry.

Tolsma-Grisnich moves to new premises in the Netherlands

August 25, 2025

Tolsma-Grisnich, an expert in storage and processing systems for potatoes, onions, and carrots, has relocated to new premises at Cavalier 3 in Emmeloord. This move, aimed at fostering growth, combines their operations in a modern facility that emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. Director Dim-Jan de Visser highlighted that the new building enhances process optimization and innovation. An official opening is scheduled for September 5, with public visits on September 6.

AVR strengthens local network in the UK

August 25, 2025

AVR is expanding its presence in the UK by partnering with Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, alongside adding Jackson Agri & Plant Ltd and Matt Horler Agricultural Engineering Ltd as service points. This initiative aims to enhance customer support and ensure easy access to AVR machinery, providing expert advice and reliable service. The move is designed to bolster AVR’s business growth and showcase its full equipment range in the UK market.

‘AgriScout’ robot shows strong potential for PVY detection in Canadian potato fields

August 23, 2025

AgriScout, an autonomous robot developed by an international research team, efficiently detects Potato Virus Y (PVY) infestations in potato crops. Equipped with advanced imaging technology, it collected over 55,000 high-resolution images and achieved an 85% detection accuracy using a YOLOv11 deep learning model. Deployed in commercial fields in Atlantic Canada, it creates precise infestation maps, enhancing disease management. This technology could significantly improve disease scouting efficiency and accuracy

How the Canadian potato industry balances resilience, market shifts, and misconceptions

August 22, 2025

Canada’s potato industry is adapting to climate challenges with rising exports despite a slight production decline. Farmers are implementing regenerative practices to enhance sustainability and yield, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Mixed weather results are noted across provinces, but overall acreage remains stable. Industry leaders are addressing misinformation to preserve confidence. The Canadian industry’s resilience and innovation stand out, emphasizing the importance of adaptability for future vitality.

Mashed potatoes reign supreme – yet regional favorites reveal American comfort food diversity

August 20, 2025

An Idaho Potato Commission and YouGov survey of 3,000 Americans reveals that while mashed potatoes are the top comfort food, regional preferences showcase diverse cultural traditions related to local events and family gatherings. The survey highlights distinct differences in potato dish choices between rural and urban respondents, as well as between generations, reflecting how a simple ingredient can foster community and cultural identity across the country.

The Spudictionary: From ‘spudability’ to ‘spudverse’ – a new vocabulary for a dynamic and changing industry

August 19, 2025

The Spudictionary introduces a fresh potato vocabulary that blends humor with purpose. From spudfluence to spudspiration, these coined terms reflect the crop’s cultural impact, farmer resilience, and role in global food security. More than clever wordplay, they frame serious conversations about sustainability, advocacy, and innovation. By redefining how we talk about potatoes, the industry highlights its creativity, adaptability, and enduring importance in shaping diets and communities worldwide.

India’s frozen French fry sector: Expanding capacity, growing exports, and the road ahead

August 19, 2025

This article, by Lukie Pieterse of Potato News Today, provides an overview of India’s rapidly expanding frozen French fry sector, with Gujarat as its core hub and new processing hubs emerging in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Once an importer, India now exports more fries than it consumes domestically, supplying Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. With major investments from McCain, HyFun, Iscon Balaji, Falcon Agrifriz, and Himalaya Food, processing capacity is expected to double by 2027.

Beyond incremental change: Building a resilient future for South Africa’s potato industry

August 16, 2025

The 2025 Potatoes SA Innovation Symposium will address climate adaptation, consumer trust, and sustainability in the South African potato industry. Scheduled for 23-24 July in Pretoria, it aims to shift from traditional practices to innovative solutions amid rising costs and regulatory pressures. Stakeholders will explore strategies for enhancing value over volume, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration to build a resilient potato sector, essential for local food security and informal economies.