Dutch seed potato supplier HZPC expects revenue to fall below EUR 450 million in the 2025/26 financial year as weaker potato demand and lower prices weighed on performance across most of its markets.

The company said global potato market conditions became significantly more difficult over the past year, reversing several seasons of stronger returns. Although HZPC increased seed potato volumes and maintained grower placements, lower pricing translated into a substantial decline in both sales and profitability.

According to the company’s annual figures, revenue is expected to decline from EUR 525 million in 2024/25 to below EUR 450 million in the current year. EBITDA is forecast at approximately EUR 10 million, down from EUR 27 million a year earlier.

Despite weaker financial results, HZPC reported continued growth in physical volumes, with global seed potato sales exceeding 1.1 million tonnes.

The results come shortly after HZPC completed its acquisition of Irish seed potato specialist IPM Potato Group, strengthening its position in international potato genetics and seed markets.

Hans Huistra, CEO of HZPC, said market conditions had deteriorated following exceptionally strong harvests in the previous season.

“After a number of strong years, the global potato market is facing difficult conditions this year as a result of the excellent harvests of the previous season, combined with weakening demand,” Huistra said.

“As a consequence, prices are under pressure and it has become more challenging to find suitable destinations for all seed potatoes. Against this background, we are satisfied that we have been able to limit the impact for our seed potato growers.”

Huistra added that geographic diversification and the company’s portfolio strategy helped cushion the effect of the downturn.

“Our wide spread across regions and product groups, combined with a strong focus on new and protected varieties, has helped us achieve this.”

The figures add to wider signs of pressure across the European potato sector, where several markets have reported oversupply concerns following strong harvests and softer demand conditions. For seed suppliers, maintaining outlet flexibility and varietal differentiation is becoming increasingly important as pricing normalises after recent peak years.