On 5 October 2026, potato professionals from across Europe and beyond will gather in Madrid for the 1st International Symposium of Potato, a new international event organised by FEPEX in partnership with Fruit Attraction and Europatat.
Taking place at IFEMA Madrid on the eve of Fruit Attraction 2026, which has selected the potato as its Star Product, the symposium aims to showcase the strategic importance of potatoes for food security, rural economies and sustainable agri-food systems, while providing a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration across the entire potato value chain.
The event is expected to attract more than 400 participants, including growers, traders, seed potato specialists, researchers, processors, service providers, retailers and institutional representatives. Through a series of expert presentations and discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to exchange views on the current state of the sector and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The programme will address some of the most relevant topics for the future of the potato industry, including sustainable production, plant health, genetic improvement, consumption trends, marketing and the role of potatoes within modern food systems. Particular attention will be given to fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation between industry stakeholders at national and international level.
As one of the world’s most important food crops and a cornerstone of European agriculture, potatoes continue to play a vital role in ensuring food security and supporting rural communities. The symposium will therefore provide an important opportunity to highlight the economic, social and nutritional value of potatoes and to reinforce their position as a strategic crop within the European Union and globally.
For Europatat, the event represents a valuable occasion to bring together different parts of the potato sector in a single forum, encouraging constructive discussions on the sector’s future and promoting closer cooperation among stakeholders. The symposium is intended to serve as a key platform for debate, innovation and partnership-building, contributing to the long-term development and competitiveness of the potato industry.
The International Symposium of Potato will take place on Monday 5 October 2026 from 16:00 to 18:00, followed by a networking reception until 19:30 at the North Convention Centre of IFEMA Madrid.
Further information on the programme, speakers and registration will be made available in the coming months.
Interested in increasing your company’s visibility at the event? Several sponsorship packages are available, offering opportunities ranging from brand visibility and exhibition space to speaking slots and networking sponsorship.
Check this brochure and get in touch with secretariat@europatat.eu for more details.
