Italy sets reference price for new potato season as European supply increases
Italy has set a minimum reference price of €0.46/kg for first-quality potatoes for the 2026-2027 season, amid increased supply from Southern Europe and ongoing market competition.
The commercialization of classic potatoes under the Selenella brand officially began in Italy on July 25, following the conclusion of the early potato campaign. The Italian 'Borsa Patate' commission has fixed the minimum reference price for first-quality potatoes at €0.46/kg for the 2026-2027 season. This decision reflects both strong product quality and positive market conditions, despite challenges from high temperatures and sporadic supply shortages in some growing regions.
In Spain, the potato sector is being highlighted as strategic for food security and dietary balance at the upcoming Fruit Attraction fair in Madrid (October 6-8, 2026). The event is expected to gather over 2,500 companies and 121,000 professionals from 150 countries, reinforcing Spain's position as a major European potato supplier and increasing commercial exposure for exporters. Spanish companies are also expanding their product portfolios to include more potatoes and other vegetables, aiming to grow export volumes.
In the wholesale market, Spanish firm Diego Martínez has expanded its facilities and increased its potato offering to boost volumes and offset slower turnover in other products. The company reports that, while prices for vegetables such as tomatoes exceeded €2/kg earlier in the year, a surge in availability since June has led to downward pressure on prices across the board. This trend coincides with Greece and Italy entering full production, resulting in market saturation and lower prices compared to the previous season.
Across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, trading activity in vegetables has reached a 2026 high, with increased offers from Ukraine, Türkiye, and Iran. However, potatoes did not feature among the most actively traded products in Ukraine last week, as carrots, cucumbers, and eggplants saw greater supply and interest. Product availability from Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Moldova has declined, shifting the competitive landscape for potato exporters in the region.
Polish importers will face increased competition from Southern European suppliers, particularly Italy and Spain, as the new harvest enters the market at stable or lower prices. The expanded commercial activity and greater product diversity from these countries are likely to influence potato availability and pricing across Central and Eastern Europe.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker