The International Potato Symposium, the flagship event of Macfrut 2025, will bring together experts from France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Egypt, Namibia and Italy at the Rimini Expo Centre to discuss the third most widely cultivated crop on the planet. The trade event will be structured over several days: Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 May will focus on market trends, consumer behaviour and agronomic issues; Thursday 8 May will be dedicated to European research and technical visits. Participation in the Symposium is free of charge.
“With 35 speakers from across Europe, the Potato Symposium will have an international scope that has long been missing in Italy,” explains the Symposium coordinator Luciano Trentini, agronomist and potato sector expert. “It’s no coincidence that this event is taking place at Macfrut, the most important trade fair in the sector, because what we’re offering is a comprehensive journey through the world of potatoes over the course of three days: from exhibitions to conferences, commerce and research. A 360-degree proposal where visitors and professionals will find answers alongside international operators, global stakeholders and top researchers in the field.”
Event programme
The first day of the International Potato Symposium will feature presentations from European institutions and associations on current topics such as development prospects for the sector, and analyses of the fresh market and industrial processing of potatoes. One of the sessions will address plant protection issues currently affecting growers across Europe. International experts will explain how to manage pests like elateridae (commonly known as wireworms), or Cyperus esculentus, considered one of the most harmful invasive species and listed as such by EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization).
On the second day (Wednesday 7 May), the focus will shift to trade-related topics: potato consumption trends, consumer preferences, and how communication strategies impact the marketing of both common and quality-labelled potatoes.
The afternoon session will turn to innovation in the potato sector, including varietal research—a critical area for growers, who face increasing challenges due to climate change and other evolving factors.
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The morning of Thursday 8 May will feature the presentation of several European research projects addressing key phytosanitary issues in the sector, followed by guided visits to potato-related exhibitors at the fair.
To complete the international perspective, the programme will include an overview of Italian potato cultivation, with presentations on economic and environmental sustainability and innovation. It’s worth noting that the European Union has officially recognised six protected designations for potatoes in Italy:
