French storage potatoes drive down Spanish new crop prices; heatwave threatens EU yields
Spanish early potato prices have dropped to €0.25–0.30/kg due to an influx of French storage potatoes sold at €0.15–0.20/kg, pushing prices below production costs. Simultaneously, a severe heatwave in several EU countries is expected to reduce yields and quality.
Large volumes of French storage potatoes, priced at €0.15–0.20/kg, have entered the Spanish market, especially in the hospitality sector, during June 2026. This has caused prices for freshly harvested Spanish new potatoes in Murcia and Andalusia to fall to €0.25–0.30/kg, which is below the estimated production cost of €0.35–0.40/kg. As a result, Spanish growers are facing losses of €100–150 per tonne. Imports from France now account for 73% of Spain's total potato imports, with volumes reaching 941,000 tonnes in 2025 and a 23% year-on-year increase in the last season. Over the past decade, imports from France to Spain have grown by 33%.
In Belgium, the export of processed potato products (mainly fries) reached 3.37 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 3% decrease from the previous year. However, exports within the EU have increased, now comprising over 60% of Belgium’s processed potato exports. France remains the leading market for Belgian potato products, importing 652,800 tonnes in 2025 (20% of Belgium’s total), up 37% in five years. Dutch demand for Belgian fresh and industrial potatoes has decreased sharply, with Holland’s share of Belgian exports dropping from 76% in 2021 to 58.5% in 2025.
The European potato sector is currently facing one of the strongest heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures exceeding 35°C and reaching up to 40°C in several regions. The heat coincides with the critical tuber development stage, especially affecting fields already suffering from water deficits. In Spain’s Castilla y León, growers report that yields could be down by 10–15% compared to average seasons, with a higher proportion of small and deformed tubers expected.
Competitive pressure from French potatoes is also impacting other Mediterranean markets. Spanish new crop potatoes are accumulating in the fields with limited outlets, while the hospitality sector continues to use cheaper, lower-quality French storage potatoes. The price drop and oversupply situation in Spain may influence trade flows and import demand in other EU countries, including Poland.
Demand for Belgian processed potato products remains strong within the EU, particularly in France and the Netherlands, despite declining exports to overseas destinations such as Brazil, Chile, and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, European processors and exporters are adapting to rising energy costs and evolving industry standards to maintain competitiveness.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker