In the period from March 2017 to February 2018, almost 4 million tons of potatoes were processed. This means that processing in the Netherlands is approximately equal to the volume of potatoes processed in the same period 1 year earlier.
This despite the reports of investments in the Dutch chip industry and the growth of the potato processing industry over the past 10 years. The monthly figures also show no growth: in February 2018, 323.000 tons of potatoes were processed, more than 10.000 tons less than in the same month last year. The pace of chip producers has slowed slightly. 16.000 fewer tons were processed compared to January (339.000 tons).
Processing Belgium is growing rapidly
Growth is faster in Belgium, Belgapom reported. The most recent figures show that the Belgian industry used 4,6 million tons of potatoes in 2017. That is 375.000 tons more than last year and represents an increase of 8,5%.
A record production of processed product was achieved (2,7 million tons). However, this increase was largely due to products such as puree and flakes. They increased by almost 50%.