Italy starts Fucino IGP potato harvest; Ukraine invests in major processing capacity

Italy has started harvesting Patata del Fucino IGP with good quality, while Ukraine is constructing its largest potato processing plant to boost domestic processing and future exports.

The 2026 harvest of Patata del Fucino IGP has begun in Italy, with initial yields showing good quality. The Fucino region remains one of the main European potato production districts, supported by advanced storage and logistics, guaranteeing year-round supply continuity. The Fucino hub is a strategic point for both commercial and production activities, consolidating the region's position in the European potato sector.

In Ukraine, construction has started on the country's largest potato processing plant in Cherkasy Oblast. The first stage, valued at 960 million UAH (€22.3 million), will produce up to 25,000 tonnes of potato starch annually. Ukraine currently imports nearly all its potato starch needs (about 2,500 tonnes/year), but the new plant is expected to meet domestic demand and enable future exports of both starch and, in later phases, French fries. The French fries production facility is scheduled for 2027, with a planned annual capacity of 60,000–150,000 tonnes.

Turkey remains a significant player in the fresh potato export market, with the country's total fresh fruit and vegetable exports reaching 3.67 million tonnes in 2024. While the climate crisis in 2025 led to a 14% decrease in overall production, the export share of Turkish production has doubled since 2002, now accounting for 7.1% of output. Turkish potatoes compete with European producers on both price and availability, impacting markets in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland.

The Italian Patata di Bologna DOP continues to strengthen its brand and market presence, with increased promotional activities and collaborations with the gastronomy sector. These efforts are aimed at expanding demand for high-quality regional potatoes.

Ukraine's investment in processing capacity is expected to reduce its import needs for potato products and may increase competition for processed potato exports in Europe, especially for countries like Poland that import both fresh and processed potatoes.

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