German drought tightens potato outlook as Greek Nevrokopi crop targets 80,000-90,000 tonnes

Germany remains the main foreign potato supplier to Poland, but its processing sector is entering the main harvest with lower yield expectations after drought and heat. In Greece, Nevrokopi growers report early export interest from Romania as the new crop begins.

Germany supplied 8,750 tonnes of potatoes to Poland in June 2026, with an average import value of about €0.25/kg. France was the second-largest origin that month with 6,430 tonnes at about €0.16/kg. Across January-June, German deliveries to Poland reached 39,090 tonnes, around 44% of Poland’s total potato imports, at an average value of about €0.28/kg.

Poland’s total potato imports accelerated in June to 22,030 tonnes, valued at about €0.23/kg, but first-half imports remained well below previous years at 88,810 tonnes. The first-half average import value was about €0.37/kg, and the volume was 44.8% lower than in the same period of 2025.

In Germany, potato processors expect clearly lower yields as the main harvest starts. Long-lasting drought and temperatures reaching 40°C in recent weeks restricted tuber growth, while reduced potato area in Germany and other European countries had already limited production potential at the start of the season.

The German industry reports particular concern over the availability of large tubers used for fries production. Drought damage is described as irreversible on some farms, and medium-term weather forecasts do not point to a clear improvement in rainfall. Market quotations have already reacted to lower availability, though no price level was specified.

In Greece, the Nevrokopi potato harvest has just started, with the crop estimated at 80,000-90,000 tonnes. Growers report favourable growing conditions, good water availability after rainy winter and spring periods, and expectations of good quality and large sizes. A grower price of €0.45/kg is described locally as a satisfactory level in relation to production costs.

Romanian importers have already contacted Nevrokopi suppliers before the harvest moves into full flow. Greek market supply also includes potatoes from Kozani and smaller volumes from Thebes, while no French potatoes were reported on the Greek market at the time of the new Nevrokopi harvest.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI