Analysis Potatoes
French potato industry requires 5% annual growth
To meet all plans, the French potato cultivation must grow by almost 5% annually. This growth can come from yield, but in practice, it mainly needs to come from the acreage. Five companies have built a new factory in Northern France, or they have plans to do so. This makes the Hauts-de-France region the 'potato valley' of France, as they call it.
This year, the French government agency expects 178,000 hectares of ware potatoes. This is an increase of 24,000 hectares or 15.6%. There may be some questions about this significant growth. The growers' organization UNPT and processing organization GIPT expect 170,000 hectares of consumption potatoes.
Record Yield
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates a yield of 42.3 tons per hectare. This theoretically results in 7.54 million tons of potatoes. Last year, 6.71 million tons were harvested (43.6 tons/ha). A 12.3% increase. If this becomes reality, it will be a record yield that surpasses last year's old record by far.
The French potato sector needs such records to meet all ambitions. By 2030, the acreage must increase by 40,000 hectares to keep all operations running. Clarebout already has its factory running in Bourbourg, near Dunkirk. McCain is making significant updates and expansions, while Ecofrost and Agristo have announced plans to build new factories.
Growth in the North
The potato cultivation for fries, as well as processing, is clustered in the north of France, mainly in the Hauts-de-France region. This year, 108,400 hectares of potatoes are grown there (equivalent to 4.3 million tons). Nord-pas-de-Calais accounts for nearly 60,000 hectares, and Picardy for 49,500 hectares. This includes table, seed, and starch potatoes, although the latter has decreased this year. The table potato acreage is also affected by the expanding cultivation of fry potatoes.
Good soil, few stones, large fields, and wide crop rotations provide an ideal mix that northern potato growers can benefit from. Additionally, irrigation is possible in many areas, which is a firm requirement. This season, French colleagues have fared better than colleagues in Belgium or the southern Netherlands, resulting in crops standing reasonably well.
Own Fries First
For years, France has watched a portion of its potatoes cross the border to Belgium for processing. There are 22 fry factories in the country, but remarkably, the four largest account for 80% of the production. In total, 600,000 tons of potato products are produced annually, with three-quarters being frozen fries, according to GIPT. Meanwhile, in neighboring Belgium, 16 active factories produce a total of 2.8 million tons of fries.
Currently, France is a net importer of fries. 77% of all consumed 'French fries' are of French origin. Naturally, the industry in the country aims to significantly increase this figure, allowing for further growth. Additionally, it also seeks a larger presence in the global market. GIPT believes a 4.7% annual growth is achievable.
Belgium Also Growing
Meanwhile, neighboring Belgium is also showing an increase in acreage this year, albeit a more modest 5,200 hectares. This represents a 5.4% growth compared to 2023, bringing the total acreage well above 100,000 hectares. Official figures show a 12.4% increase in harvested potatoes last year, amounting to 3.73 million tons. This is noteworthy, considering the disastrous harvest. The yield figure stands at 42.8 tons per hectare. If this is projected for this year, the potential yield would be 4.35 million tons. Given the significantly disappointing late growth in the main harvest, there is a high chance that the yield may fall short. Therefore, French potatoes remain essential for the Belgian industry this processing season.
