Global Potato Market Overview: Supply Gluts, Weather Variability, and Price Pressure Across Key Regions

03 November 2025, New Delhi: The global potato sector is experiencing sharp regional contrasts, with European markets suffering from oversupply and weak demand, while growers in regions like Australia and South Africa face weather-related shortages and price crises. Here’s a detailed, country-wise breakdown based strictly on current market developments.

Italy: Prices Ease as French Supply Floods the Market

Potato prices in Italy have fallen to around €0.25–€0.30 per kilogram, down from previously inflated levels due to an influx of French produce. Despite stable demand from large retailers and generally calm market conditions, the excess supply in Europe continues to affect Italian pricing. Branded origin potatoes (POD and PGI) are performing better than conventional varieties, enjoying higher consumer recognition. 

Nearly 90% of Italian households purchase potatoes, with growing interest in organic options, although average purchase volumes have slightly declined from 2 kg to under 1.8 kg per transaction in recent months.

Netherlands: Weak Demand and Factory Slowdowns Define the Market

The Dutch potato market remains stagnant, with minimal price movement. The main concern is reduced activity at processing factories, which are operating at lower capacity. This, coupled with slower French fry consumption across Europe and geopolitical uncertainty, is weighing down demand despite ample supply. 

Traders note that while potatoes are plentiful, processing companies aren’t capitalizing on the lower prices due to existing expensive contracts.

Belgium: High Yields, Low Prices as Harvest Nears Completion

Belgium has almost completed its 2025 potato harvest, with approximately 90% lifted. Yield and quality are mostly high, although hot, dry summer conditions affected size and dry matter content in some areas. However, an abundant supply is pushing prices down in an already difficult market. 

High-quality, wash-ready potatoes are selling for up to €0.20 per kilo, while standard unwashed batches remain around €0.10 per kilo. Export demand exists but is limited due to competition from Southern Europe and Poland.

France: Exceptional Production Creates Major Market Imbalance

France is recording a bumper crop of 8.5 million tons of potatoes this year thanks to a 10% increase in acreage and high yields. But this surge—driven by expectations of strong demand for fries and chips—has caused a serious supply-demand imbalance. 

While contracted deliveries fetch around €180 per ton, open-market prices have collapsed to as low as €5–€15 per ton, far below the approximate €150 per ton production cost. Residual stocks from 2024 are adding additional pressure, especially in the industrial segment.

Poland: Higher Output Leads to Sharp Price Drops

Poland’s potato production is expected to reach 6.8 million tons this year—a 15% rise over last season—due to both increased acreage and better yields. However, record production levels are keeping prices low, frustrating growers. Although yields are averaging 31.8 tons per hectare—5% higher than the previous year—prices have not kept pace. Demand was lower during the summer due to sufficient domestic stocks but has recently shown slight improvement as the autumn season approaches.

Switzerland: 20% Higher Yield but Storage Challenges Emerge

Swiss farms are experiencing one of the highest potato harvests in years—20% more than 2024 and 17% above the long-term average. However, the surplus is causing logistical issues, including a shortage of storage crates (“paloxes”) and stricter quality enforcement. Falling prices and temporary storage constraints are causing concern among growers and traders.

Austria: Abundant Supply with Steady Demand

Austria’s potato harvest is nearing completion, although progress has been slowed by a lack of empty crates. Although supply is abundant, demand in domestic retail has remained steady, keeping prices mostly stable. 

Export prospects remain weak due to strong price competition from other European suppliers. Current producer prices range from €15–€20 per 100 kilograms, depending on region and additional storage or logistics costs.

Germany: Quality Issues Add to Price Pressure

In Germany, retailers and packing companies have continued sourcing potatoes directly from fields even after the storage phase due to signs of declining quality. Growers are reporting higher instances of worm damage and black spot. 

In addition, strong supply from surplus regions across Europe continues to suppress prices, leaving export markets scarcely profitable.

Spain: Larger Acreage, Delayed Harvest Depress Prices

Northern Spain’s potato harvest is finishing roughly 15 days later than usual due to poor weather conditions. In Castilla y León—the leading potato-producing region—the planted area increased by over 12%, resulting in higher total production despite only average yields. 

With fresh potato consumption low in Europe and other countries reporting record output, Spanish exports have significantly dropped, and prices are lower, particularly for growers lacking stable contracts.

New Zealand: Uneven Planting Conditions But Potential for Recovery

Planting across New Zealand has been affected by variable spring weather, particularly wet and cold soil conditions that delayed progress in some regions. Despite this, overall crop establishment is good, and growers are optimistic if summer conditions remain favourable. 

Key export destinations include Pacific Island nations and Southeast Asia, with the first new potatoes expected from late October through November.

Australia: Dry Weather Causes Shortage of Fresh Potatoes

A hotter, drier-than-average autumn has disrupted potato production in Australia, particularly in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Reduced tuber formation has caused a shortage of fresh potatoes, which is expected to persist until spring harvests arrive in December. 

Fresh potato imports are banned due to biosecurity laws, though frozen fries continue to be brought in. Retailers are adapting supply standards to preserve availability.

North America: Solid Yields But Prices Remain Soft

In the U.S. and Canada, potato yields are generally favourable, with strong output from regions like Idaho and Minnesota. Prices, however, remain low due to a smooth transition between old and new crops. 

Demand is steady, particularly for yellow potatoes, which have doubled in market value over the past eight years. However, the limited gap between crop cycles is making it difficult for producers to increase prices.

South Africa: Heavy Losses as Oversupply Pushes Prices Below Cost

South African farmers in Limpopo and the Sandveld region are facing significant financial losses, with potatoes selling at below cost. An unexpected rise in planted area and favourable weather led to oversupply, causing prices to drop to record lows—not seen since 2022. 

Wholesale prices for 10 kg potato bags are currently €2.40–€2.70, well below production cost. Sales volumes are higher than the previous two years, but total turnover remains lower—a phase described as “deflationary” by traders.

Egypt: Improved Seed Quality and Market Prospects

Egypt’s potato sector is poised for a stronger season in 2025 after facing weak export demand and seed shortages last year. Improved seed availability and optimal weather are driving better planting conditions. 

Exporters are optimistic, citing strong international potato prices and renewed demand from key markets. They anticipate a more dynamic season similar to the profitable cycle seen two years ago.

Pakistan: Record Production Boosts Export Growth

Pakistan has produced an estimated 9 to 9.5 million tons of potatoes this season—a 20% increase over the previous year—fueling parallel growth in ex

ports. Key destinations include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Central Asian markets. Although fresh and chilled potatoes dominate outbound shipments, the processed segment is expanding gradually. Export prices currently average €170–€180 per ton, and improved certified seed programs are helping to strengthen grower confidence.

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