Spanish potato imports stable in volume, UK harvest faces weather risk
Spanish imports of fresh potatoes remained stable at 678,237 tonnes from January to May 2026, while UK potato growers face yield concerns due to prolonged dry weather.
Spain imported 678,237 tonnes of fresh potatoes between January and May 2026, a marginal decrease of 0.4% compared to the same period in 2025. The value of Spanish potato imports reached €198 million, showing a significant drop of 31.2% year-on-year. Potatoes remained the leading imported vegetable by both volume and value in Spain, ahead of onions (122,709 tonnes, +5.6%) and tomatoes (66,050 tonnes, +6.8%) for the same period.
UK potato production is under pressure due to ongoing dry weather. As of the end of July 2026, more than half of England, including key growing areas such as Lincolnshire, is experiencing ‘prolonged dry weather’ conditions. The Environment Agency has activated a water transfer scheme to support irrigation, but there are concerns about the impact on crop sizing and yields for the upcoming potato harvest. Low river flows have already led to 1,353 abstraction licence restrictions, and the risk of further water restrictions remains if dry conditions persist.
In Italy, the 2026 harvest of Patata di Bologna DOP is concluding on 389 certified hectares. Initial indications suggest slightly higher yields per hectare compared to last year, although the final figures will be confirmed after harvest completion. The end of the harvest has been affected by high temperatures in recent weeks, which may influence storage and quality.
The UK has approved the marketing of PiperPlus, a precision-bred, disease-resistant Maris Piper potato. This new variety is expected to reduce the need for chemical fungicides and insecticides, potentially lowering production costs and improving sustainability for British growers.
Stable Spanish import volumes and potential UK supply challenges may influence potato availability and prices in other European markets, including Poland, by affecting sourcing options and competition among suppliers.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI