After the dip in potato processing in February, the French fries manufacturers have resumed their upward trend. Significantly more potatoes were processed in March. In addition, fewer potatoes come from imports.
A total of 322.100 tons of potatoes were processed in March. That is no less than 12% more than in February. Compared to March 2020, there is an increase of 11%, when 290.900 tons of potatoes were processed. The processing level is therefore at the highest level since October.
Lower processing efficiency
Of the potatoes processed in March, 112.000 tons came from abroad. In absolute numbers, this is 700 tons more than in March 2020. Because there are more potatoes, the share has decreased in percentage terms. 34,8% this year, compared to 38,3% last year. Of the potatoes in March, 144.200 tons were processed into pre-fried fries. 22.300 tons have been processed into other pre-baked products. The processing efficiency was 51,7%. A year earlier that was 53,8%.