France’s frozen fry industry is experiencing a remarkable boom, significantly boosting domestic potato production. This surge is driven by rising global demand for frozen fries, solidifying France’s position as a major player in the international market, as Jérémy Bruno reports for BFMTV.com.
In 2024, France is projected to harvest 7.6 million tonnes of table potatoes, a substantial increase of over 16% compared to the average of the previous five years, according to estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture. This unprecedented growth highlights the expanding role of potatoes in France’s agricultural landscape.
To meet the increasing demand from the frozen fry sector, French farmers have substantially expanded their cultivation areas. The country’s total potato-growing acreage now exceeds 160,000 hectares, reinforcing its standing as one of Europe’s leading potato producers.
Growth of the frozen potato sector
The growth of the frozen potato sector has been a boon for the French economy. It has generated thousands of jobs across the supply chain, from farming to processing and distribution.
Three new potato processing factories will be built in the coming years, under the (all Belgian) colours of Clarebout Potatoes in Saint-Georges-sur-l’Aa (Nord), Agristo in Escaudœuvres (Nord) and Ecofrost in Péronne (Somme). The American giant McCain has put 300 million euros on the table
to expand its factory in Harnes, in Pas-de-Calais.
An additional 1.5 million tonnes of potatoes will be needed by 2027-2018 to satisfy these new production capacities, “with additional availability required from autumn 2024 to supply the gradual ramp-up in 2025”, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
A Growing Global Market
The global appetite for frozen fries shows no signs of waning. Experts predict sustained demand, particularly in emerging markets, where Western-style fast food is increasingly popular. French producers are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, supported by a reputation for quality and a robust export network.
Source: This article is based on a report by Jérémy Bruno, published in French by BFMTV.com. Read the full original report here.
Image: Credit Matthias Böckel from Pixabay
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