This post explains the recent analysis of the European potato market shared by Domenico Citterio at the Potato Europe fair in the Netherlands. It translates those industry developments into practical takeaways for food lovers and travelers in Italy.
I summarize why 2023 is set to be a year of abundant potato production after three lean seasons. The post also covers how demand for processed products is shifting and what this means for producers, with a local perspective on availability in coastal markets of the Italian Riviera.
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European potato outlook for 2023: a return to abundance
After three years of low yields and high prices, the continent is seeing a marked rebound in potato volumes. Producers expanded cultivated areas in response to high prices.
The result is a significantly larger harvest in 2023.
Production rebound after three lean years
Harvest timing varies by region: southern Europe has already started bringing potatoes in. Northern Europe has completed only about 25–30% of its collection.
The seasonal spread means market dynamics will continue to shift through the year as new-season potatoes reach different markets.
Changing demand and how producers are adapting
The balance between processed and fresh potato markets is evolving quickly. Weakening demand for processed items has sent producers and processors looking for alternatives.
Processed products losing ground
Key figures: consumption of potato sticks is down roughly 12% and chips about 8%. Many companies are adjusting agronomy and marketing: harvesting about 10 tons fewer potatoes per hectare and directing a larger share to the fresh market rather than processing.
This tactic helps avoid oversupply in industrial channels and preserves value for growers.
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Domenico Citterio’s approach: seed expertise and seasonal trade
Citterio’s family firm, a long-established Italian potato company, illustrates how specialization and international supply chains soften market swings. Their model blends high-quality seed sourcing, contracted farming, and seasonal trade flows.
Seed, contracts and seasonal balancing
The company imports high-quality seed potatoes from Northern Europe. It works closely with contracted farmers to ensure consistent output.
The firm balances trade by exporting Italian new-season potatoes north during summer while importing Northern European supply in winter for Italian processors. This cross-border agility is central to resilience.
Four generations of expertise mean the firm has learned to integrate commercial flexibility with field-level stability — an advantage when volumes swing from scarcity to surplus.
Fresh potatoes will be more plentiful in local markets. Some regional processors may slow orders until demand stabilizes.
That’s good news for anyone who prefers simply prepared, new-season potatoes at market stalls or trattorie.
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Where to taste fresh potatoes on the Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera’s coastal towns—from bustling ports to tranquil harbors—are prime places to find seasonal produce and small-market specialties.
If you’re touring Liguria, seek out local markets and seaside restaurants offering simple potato dishes that celebrate the fresh harvest.
Look for markets and eateries in towns like:
These coastal spots feature daily markets where fishermen and farmers meet.
It’s a wonderful setting to taste patate novelle (new-season potatoes) simply roasted or boiled alongside fresh seafood and Ligurian olive oil.
Whether you’re strolling the promenade in Sanremo or exploring the harbor of Portofino, keep an eye out for stalls selling just-dug potatoes.
Here is the source article for this story: A complicated moment for potatoes, not only in Italy
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