Belpotato Asks Supermarkets to Source Local Potatoes

The Belgian potato organization, Belpotato, recently called on Belgian supermarket chains to promote more Belgian potato products on their shelves, in order to free up space in the industrial storages. Frozen French fry producers estimate that global consumption has dropped by more than 40%.

"The epidemic has enormous consequences for the Belgian potato industry, as our country is the market leader in the production and export of frozen potato products, the vast majority of which are consumed outdoors in catering establishments and collective kitchens,” Belpotato.be representatives said in a press release.

While the varieties of potatoes planned for the fresh market sector and chips can probably be marketed and processed without much disruption, almost 750,000 tons of potatoes intended for the production of frozen French fries cannot be processed in Belgium. World consumption of these types of fries has dropped by more than 40% according to producers' estimates. In order to sell off the stock, the sector, in collaboration with the Flemish government, started supplying quality potatoes to food banks this week. In a second phase, the potatoes will be used as animal feed.

"It is only as a last resort that we plan to use biomethanizers, which transform potatoes into (green) energy," says Belpotato.be.

Although the fries on the shelves are generally from Belgian potatoes, this is not always the case for traditional varieties with firm flesh.Belpotato.be stresses that the supply of fresh and floury potatoes as well as that of frozen products based on Belgian potatoes and chips is still sufficient. The organization therefore invites Belgian supermarkets to give priority to potatoes and potato products originating locally.