The total area of potatoes in the four North-West European countries is estimated to increase by 2% in 2022 to reach 507,300 hectares (+10,100 hectares).

In detail by country, the increase is 3.2% in Belgium (92,558 hectares), 1.5% in Germany (185,800 hectares), 2% in France (156,162 hectares), and 2% in the Netherlands (72,816 hectares).

“The increase is 0.9% compared to the five-year average. Although crop rotation is on the rise, producers have nevertheless changed their strategies concerning the destination. Thus, certain producers of starch potatoes (in Germany, France, and the Netherlands) and certain producers of potatoes intended for the fresh market (in Germany and France) have changed their outlets to produce fried or for the production of chips,” according to a recent CNIPT analysis.

On the fresh market, Eastern and Central European countries are responsible for a significant share of growth. With 256,014 tonnes purchased from August to the end of April 2022, sales are up +175% compared to 2020-2021. Low harvests, poor quality, and less competition from the Germans are the main reasons.