The European French Fry and Chips Factories are Looking for Supply Areas

All around Europe, potato processing facilities are operating at full capacity, and Belgian buyers are the market's leading drivers. Contract signing has gone well, but factories are still looking for additional areas to satisfy their needs for producing French fries and chips.

In the U.K. there has been a ground frost in some areas on two mornings this week but the damage is not extensive. The potato plantings have been halted in some regions as a result. First French fry potato varieties including Sagitta are being planted this week.

During the same period, in Ireland, potato household consumption and retail sales were stable. The demand for processing material has surged due to the school midterm break, and peeling material prices are increasing. Stocks appear to be tighter than they were during this time last year.

“As farmers plan for the planting season the price and availability of land for planting are unattainable in many regions. This coupled with existing challenges for potato growers is hammering growers’ confidence. Producers need to ensure they don’t jeopardize the viability of their crop by paying over the odds for land,” the latest IFA report concludes.