The European Union (EU) set a new record for French fries exports in August. 12% more frozen potato products were shipped across European borders. How are they going to handle that?
Despite the fact that exports to Asia showed a slight decline in August, the continent is earmarked as an important growth region for the export of European fries. That is why Belgian producers and organizations are joining forces. In this way they hope to emerge stronger in Southeast Asia.
5 chip factories represented
The partnership is coordinated by the Flemish Center for Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing (VLAM). To this end, it works together with Belgapom, APAQ-W and the 5 major Belgian fries producers: Clarebout, Agristo, Ecofrost, Mydibel and Bart's Potato Company. The parties receive support from European subsidies to perform at fairs in Thailand and Malaysia, reports website Vilt.
Young population interesting
A campaign will run in 2019 countries until 5: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. These countries have a rapidly growing young population and emerging middle class, ideal consumers of Belgian fries. At fairs, interested parties can taste 'original Belgian fries'.
record to record
Chip exports in the EU-28 reached a new record in August. After a dip in July, the total exported volume increased by almost 12%, compared to the same period a year earlier. 121.558 tons were exported, worth €88,62 million. That is a financial plus of 14,6%.
Over 12 months, the export volume will reach a total of 1,439 million tons. That is also a record. The average sales price decreased slightly, but the cheaper raw material has not yet been reflected in the prices.
Less product to Asia
The Middle East remains the largest sales market for the EU-28. The imported volume increased by 1,3%. Asia is at number 3 and shows a minus of 0,4% in August. Percentage-wise, the United States grew the strength, by almost 78%.
If we look at the export countries individually, Brazil is number 1 in August, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia. The latter country purchased almost 40% more fries in the summer month. The Philippines was a strong growth market this season, however, in August exports fell by a minus 19%. Malaysia and Thailand also bought fewer fries.