German drought tightens potato supply as processors face shortage of large tubers
Germany’s potato processors expect lower yields in the main harvest after prolonged drought and temperatures of up to 40°C limited tuber growth. The main trade concern is the availability of large potatoes required for fries production.
German processors report that drought over the past two months has slowed potato development on many farms. The pressure comes at the start of the main harvest and follows a reduction in potato area in Germany, limiting production potential before the weather damage is fully assessed.
The shortage risk is concentrated in larger tubers, which are needed in high volumes by the fries industry. Processors report irreversible damage on some plantations, and medium-term forecasts do not indicate a clear improvement in rainfall conditions.
A Dutch potato trader said the European market had shifted after a long period of weak sentiment, with many crops now described as being in “survival mode”. He reported limited physical trading while large processors remained cautious, and said Fontane and Agria crops still required further irrigation after only light rain.
The same trader said an average harvest was no longer expected and pointed to additional risks in southern Europe, where weather maps showed repeated temperatures around 40°C in countries including France and Spain. He also cited the United Kingdom as a market with potential demand pressure, with discussion there of a significant food shortage.
English growers are also reporting reduced yields and smaller tubers after drought and extreme heat early in the season. The UK recorded its fifth heatwave of the year, alongside record low rainfall, with field crops including potatoes affected.
Germany remains the main foreign supplier of potatoes to Poland. In June 2026, Poland imported 8,750 tonnes from Germany worth €2.22 million, an average import value of €253/t, while French supplies reached 6,430 tonnes worth €1.04 million, or €162/t.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI