As potato‑growing regions around the world expand their storage capacities the professional management of modern potato storage facilities is becoming increasingly important.
This topic will be explored at the PotatoEurope 2026 exhibition on September 9 and 10, 2026 at Ritter Estate Gestorf 1 in Springe, near Hannover, Germany.
Loose bulk storage remains the standard for potatoes destined for industrial processing, while table and seed potatoes are now stored almost exclusively in boxes. A range of ventilation systems is available for both bulk and box storage, ensuring optimal air distribution and consistent quality throughout the storage period.
Growing demand for efficient storage systems
Producers supplying fresh, processing, and seed markets today face rising expectations to deliver consistent quality over extended periods. In many cases, storage investments have proved economically viable, strengthening interest in controlled ventilation systems, and efficient storage management.
These developments will be highlighted throughout PotatoEurope’s event programme, which brings together growers, processors, technology providers, and marketers from across Europe and beyond.
Ventilation systems for bulk storage
In industrial processing such as French fries, chips, starch, and convenience products, bulk storage remains the predominant method due to low storage costs and high handling efficiency for loading and unloading. However, long‑term bulk storage can increase the risk of pressure damage, especially at large stack heights, potentially limiting marketability.
Bulk storage ventilation systems differ mainly in the air movement generated by fans, and in how airflow is distributed through ducts within the potato pile.
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Above‑floor ducts
Above‑floor duct systems are often used when storage spaces must be built cost‑effectively or remain flexible for other uses, such as temporary grain storage, while still meeting food safety regulations. They are also a practical solution for short‑term storage, or for retrofitted buildings. Metal half‑round and wooden triangular ducts are commonly used.
Under‑floor ducts
Under‑floor systems create a flat floor surface that greatly simplifies handling compared with above‑floor ducts. Although more costly to install, they require minimal maintenance and do not reduce storage volume. Ideally, ducts should be placed perpendicular to the loading direction to limit duct length, and enable more intensive ventilation of freshly harvested potatoes.
Fully slatted floors
Fully slatted floors use perforated concrete panels supported by structural beams, allowing air to move evenly from below. Panels up to 3m long provide wide duct widths. Air distribution from fans typically runs through walkable ventilation walls, and individual ducts can be closed using adjustable flaps when necessary.
Ventilation systems for box storage
Box storage enables precise separation of lots, such as seed potatoes or small batches destined for direct sales. Boxes can be filled either in the field via harvesters, or on farm using dedicated filling equipment. This approach also facilitates unloading of small quantities, or individual lots.
Natural convection
The simplest approach uses natural airflow through vents without mechanical assistance. While energy‑efficient and quiet, this system offers limited control over temperature because it depends on ambient weather conditions.
Room ventilation
The most common system in box storage uses ventilation towers that blow supply air at high speed across stacked boxes. Air then passes through the boxes and exits through exhaust vents. Boxes are placed tightly in rows, with a 10–20 cm gap between rows.
Forced ventilation for closed boxes
Forced‑air ventilation in closed boxes typically follows the single‑layer system. A horizontal axial fan supplies air through outlets into the pallet base of each box. To ensure consistent airflow across stacked boxes, the airspeed at the pallet floor should not exceed 5m/s.
Forced ventilation for open boxes
Systems for open boxes operate either under pressure or suction, each yielding different storage effects. Boxes are arranged in double rows facing a ventilation wall, with a gap of 0.4 to 0.6 metres. Suction systems create under-pressure; pressure systems generate overpressure in the opposite direction.
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