Extreme heat reshapes potato quality before packhouse handling

Heat and water stress challenge potato quality

The heatwaves and water shortages affecting much of Europe during the 2026 season are having a direct impact on potato crop quality and on packhouse operations. According to Wyma Solutions, high temperatures during key stages of tuber development, combined with reduced soil moisture, are increasing physiological defects, size and shape variability, and pressure damage, making it more difficult to meet commercial quality standards.

These conditions are creating greater inconsistency in harvested crops, requiring processors to adapt their post-harvest operations to maintain efficiency and product quality.

Greater demands on packhouse operations

Wyma Solutions explains that increased crop variability is placing additional pressure on grading and washing lines. Sorting systems must identify different quality levels with greater accuracy, while washing equipment needs to cope with inconsistent soil loads and moisture levels without reducing throughput.

At the same time, shorter harvesting windows following periods of extreme heat mean larger volumes of potatoes arrive at processing facilities within a limited timeframe, increasing operational pressure.

Automation becomes increasingly important

To address these challenges, the company highlights the role of automation throughout the processing line. Optical grading systems help detect differences in size, shape and surface defects with greater consistency, improving sorting accuracy.

Water-efficient washing systems equipped with recycling technologies also help processors reduce water consumption while maintaining cleaning performance, an increasingly important factor as water resources become more limited.

In addition, high-capacity conveying and feeding equipment designed for gentle product handling helps minimise mechanical damage to crops that have become more susceptible to bruising due to heat stress.

Preparing for an increasingly variable season

Wyma Solutions notes that upcoming field assessments in Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland will determine the full impact of heat and water stress on this year's European potato crop.

However, the company believes that facilities equipped with automation, efficient water management and gentle product handling will be better positioned to preserve crop quality and maximise product value throughout the post-harvest process.

More information at Wyma Solutions