Potato processors in France have processed 9% more potatoes so far this season than in the same period last year. Significantly more potatoes were also imported, amounting to 25.000 tons, which is quite remarkable.
Between July and October, French potato processors processed a total of 665.000 tons of table potatoes, 9% more than the amount that passed through the cutting lines in the same period last year. This is quite remarkable, considering the significant decline in the French fry export market for European companies. It should be noted, however, that France was spared the worst of the problems. Belgium and the Netherlands were particularly hard hit.
In September, 186.342 tons were processed in France, and in October, 179.897 tons. This represents a 13% and 10% increase compared to the same months in 2024. The total contract volume this season amounts to 487.000 tons. This represents a 14,3% increase compared to the 2024/25 season and almost 30% more than the five-year average.
Significantly more imports
The volume of imported potatoes is also higher this year, at 176.000 tons compared to 151.000 tons last year. In October, a whopping 45.000 tons were imported. On the one hand, this isn't surprising, given the strong yields. These are primarily Belgian potatoes grown for French companies or by Belgian processors who also have factories in France, such as Clarebout.
The share of free-range potatoes processed this season amounts to a meager 3.000 tons. That's only 0,45% of the total volume and 93% less than a year ago. Normally, a good 30.000 tons are imported during these months, but this year the sector is making do with zero fewer. This demonstrates once again how small the demand for potatoes is.
Plenty of potatoes
Last season, the French industry processed 1,92 million tons of potatoes. After four months, this means 35% of the total seasonal volume has been processed. The industry needs to process an average of 160.000 tons per month to achieve this. The available potato volume cannot be the problem this season. Despite the fact that the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (Agreste) harvest forecast has been reduced, it is estimated that 11% more will still be harvested than in 2024.
A clear seasonal pattern can be discerned in potato processing. Normally, processing slows down in November and December, picking up again towards March. If processing continues at this rate, a large portion of the excess potato volume will be disposed of. The French will face a major challenge in selling all these potato products on the global market.