After several consecutive years of shortages, Swiss potato growers are reporting surpluses in 2025, marking a sharp turnaround that is creating new challenges for producers. Across Europe, farms have harvested strong yields, and in Switzerland, output rose 20% compared with 2024 and 17% above the long-term average, according to Christian Bucher of Swisspatat.
Farmer Jan Ryser from Humlikon was left with 32 tons of unsold potatoes after his buyer rejected them for not meeting quality standards. Bucher explained that buyers are applying industry criteria more strictly this year. "In years when there is a shortage of potatoes, buyers are more accommodating," he said.
Market impact and storage pressure
The abundant harvest follows four years of limited supply due to unfavorable weather, pest damage, and diseases such as rot and Colorado potato beetle. This year, favorable September weather led to simultaneous ripening, which caused a shortage of "paloxes," the wooden crates used for harvesting and storing potatoes, carrots, and onions across Europe. Some producers had to delay harvesting while waiting for containers.
Despite high yields, prices have fallen. Swisspatat reported that per capita potato consumption remains stable at 45 kilograms per year. With supply up and demand unchanged, prices have dropped. Migros and Coop confirmed lower retail prices than in October 2024, with Coop also introducing temporary promotions "to boost sales and avoid food waste," said spokesperson Caspar Frey.
Contracts, pricing, and exports
Potato prices in Switzerland are set through annual agreements between producers and buyers, with Swisspatat determining a price band. "The high yields have now led to prices being at the lower end," Bucher said. Still, producers are earning more than in previous years as they can fulfill contract volumes without imports. In recent years, about 20% of potatoes were imported, but 2025's crop has covered domestic needs.
Industrial potato prices, such as those used for chips and French fries, remain fixed regardless of yield. Surplus potatoes and those not meeting quality standards are often redirected as livestock feed, with compensation provided to farmers.
French fry segment and climate outlook
French fry potatoes remain limited in supply due to specific size, sugar, and starch requirements. Swisspatat recently relaxed quality standards to reduce food waste and make French fry production more appealing.
Looking ahead, Bucher warned that climate change could reduce yields in the future. Agroscope research indicates that global warming will lower potato productivity as higher summer temperatures and longer droughts become more frequent. Shifting cultivation to higher altitudes and developing new varieties may help, but both require investment and time.
Meanwhile, Ryser managed to sell 30 tons of his surplus directly to consumers through a Facebook post, with the remaining quantity donated to the food aid organization Tischlein deck dich.
Source: blue News
