From 11 to 13 June 2025, France hosted the Europatat Congress in Lille for the second time, bringing together Europe's potato trading community. Jointly organised by Europatat and Fedepom, the event focused on the challenges and future of the European potato sector in a volatile global environment.
Opening the Congress, Europatat President Tigran Richter and Fedepom President Dominique Père highlighted France's leadership in the sector, while acknowledging the need to adapt to evolving market conditions. Attendees were inspired by French astronaut Patrick Baudry, who drew parallels between space exploration and the potato industry's challenges, emphasising resilience, vision, and determination.
The main panel discussion explored the French potato market's role in Europe. Florence Rossillion, Director of CNIPT, provided a comprehensive sector overview, covering seed, ware, starch, and processing potatoes, as well as exports and consumption trends. France is the EU's second-largest producer and the world's top exporter of fresh potatoes, with Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Portugal as key markets.
Rossillion addressed declining fresh potato consumption in Europe and the rising preference for processed products, driven by changing lifestyles. She highlighted EU-backed campaigns promoting potatoes as healthy, local, and affordable. Florimond Desprez of Florimond Desprez stressed the importance of developing new varieties tailored to consumer needs, saying, "We've adapted the retail offering to match expectations—this is fundamental."
Francisco Moya, Director of the Vitalis Group, underlined the need for a global outlook due to France's large export share, while Alain Betancourt of Spain's Patatas Meléndez said consumer demands, particularly for taste and year-round availability, must guide production decisions.
Philippe Quennemet, President of GIPT, pointed to growing global demand for processed products, especially frozen fries, warning that Europe must stay competitive with producers in North America, India, and China. He asked, "Who will supply these new markets?"
Climate change emerged as a key concern. Desprez called for research to support farmers in adapting to extreme weather, while Rossillion stressed the need for innovation that balances yield, climate resilience, and consumer expectations. Moya added that while exports are vital, reinforcing domestic and regional markets is equally important.
The Congress closed with cautious optimism. Speakers agreed that the potato sector has a strong future but must remain responsive to economic, climatic, and market pressures. Staying competitive, innovative, and consumer-focused will be essential to navigating the road ahead.
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