PotatoEurope 2025 closed its doors last week with record-breaking participation, underscoring its position as the premier international meeting point for the potato sector. The event, held on 3–4 September at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Field Crops in Lelystad, Netherlands, attracted 17,268 visitors from 107 countries, the highest turnout in the show’s history.

For two days, Lelystad became the focal point of the global potato chain. Professionals spanning growers, processors, equipment manufacturers, breeders, and policymakers gathered to exchange knowledge and witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery and technology.

“We were delighted to welcome a record number of visitors and to see the entire chain come together,” said Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director of DLG Benelux, the event organiser. “It is unique that so many professionals from so many countries gather in one place. PotatoEurope 2025 clearly showed that the potato world knows how to connect, despite the challenges. The atmosphere was optimistic, and interest in new technologies and innovations was greater than ever.”

Field Demonstrations and Innovation Awards

A 25-hectare harvest field planted with the Alegria variety served as a live showcase for equipment manufacturers. Under favourable harvest conditions, demonstrations ranged from mechanised lifting and box-filling to optical sorting technologies, drawing thousands of visitors. The trial fields highlighted advances in varietal development, fertilisation, and crop protection.

One of the event’s focal points was the presentation of the PotatoEurope Innovation Award. The first prize went to Croptimal for its Croptiscan 9000, a field robot that employs artificial intelligence and advanced imaging to identify viral and bacterial infections in plants. The jury praised the development as “practical, immediately applicable, and with a major impact on sustainability and efficiency.” Croptimal expects first deliveries of the machine in 2026 and has already registered international interest.

Second place was awarded to BioScout, which, in collaboration with WUR, developed a smart spore trap for real-time detection of Phytophthora infestans spores. Maxstim Ltd. took third place with its Maxstim Furrow Treatment, a biostimulant applied at planting.

Knowledge Exchange and Global Outlook

Alongside the demonstrations, conferences organised by WUR and other partners deepened discussions on agronomy and market positioning. WUR’s “Integrated Crop Management – The Future of Potato Farming” examined crop diversity, soil stewardship, and targeted crop protection. A separate conference, “Europe’s Position in a Changing Potato World,” drew attention to the industry’s competitive outlook amid shifting global dynamics.

PotatoEurope 2025 also showcased the sector’s collaborative spirit. Case IH, serving as tractor sponsor, provided equipment during demonstrations, symbolising the breadth of cross-chain partnerships.

“With so many countries and companies gathered in one place, PotatoEurope 2025 demonstrated that the future of the potato is being shaped worldwide – innovative, sustainable, and connected,” Jacobs concluded.

The next edition of PotatoEurope will be held in Germany on 9–10 September 2026.