Food products French fries world champion Belgium expects record potato harvest
Belgium, the world's largest French fries exporter, is expecting a record potato harvest this year. According to estimates by the potato association Belpotato, Belgian farmers are likely to harvest around five million tons, more than ever before.
29.10.2025, 09:06
SDA
This is not necessarily a reason for farmers to rejoice. They are suffering from US tariffs and growing competition from Asia.
Belgian farms have steadily harvested more potatoes from the soil in recent years. This year, every Belgian is expected to produce just under half a ton of potatoes. That is many times the amount that consumers can eat themselves.
Most of the potatoes become frozen fries
Most potatoes are processed into the national dish of the Belgians: Some end up in chip shops on every corner of the country, the majority as frozen fries in supermarkets worldwide. Last year, Belgium exported potato products worth more than three billion euros.
Exports have increased in recent years, driven in part by rising demand in Asia and the Middle East. "When the population and the middle class grow, the demand for French fries also increases," says Christophe Vermeulen, head of the Belgapom trade association. "And every time something in the direction of fast food opens somewhere in the world, they need fries."
Business was good for Belgian potato farmers, who bought additional arable land or leased it from their neighbors. The Belgian chip industry is now also importing potatoes from neighboring France and Germany.
Potato price collapses
This year, the business model appears to be crumbling: US tariffs, a strong euro and competitors from India, China and Egypt are causing problems for Belgian exporters. The potato price collapsed from a high of 600 euros to 15 euros per tonne.
"It's going to be a difficult year," says potato farmer Baudouin Dewulf from his field in Geer in the center of the country. He speaks of a "saturated market". For the next few months, the income of most farmers is secured by an annual contract with the chip manufacturers - after that, they will have to prepare for difficult negotiations.
