In the first 3 quarters of the 2016-2017 season, the German French fries industry is growing for the third season in a row. This is evident from figures from the statistical service Destatis. In addition to chips, other potato-related products are also processed to a greater extent.
Between July 2016 and March 2017, the German potato processing industry produced 346.000 tons of frozen chips. That is an increase of 16.000 tons compared to those 3 quarters during the 2015-2016 season. This brings production to the highest figure ever in this sector.
All products increased
Other potato-related products also increased in volume, although this is a smaller growth. The production of chips is 1.000 tons higher. That of refrigerated potato products 2.000 tons.
The production increase of French fries mainly took place at the end of 2016. At the beginning of 2017, fewer potatoes were processed into chips. Due to the higher product, more raw material is also required. Up to and including March 2017, the industry processed 2,7 million tons of potatoes. 100.000 tons more than in the same period last year.
Third growth in a row
With the current figures, the potato processing industry is growing for the third season in a row. There was a dip in production only during the 2013-2014 season. At that time 280.000 tons of chips were produced. Since the 2008-2009 season, the sector has been growing steadily.