Belgian frozen fries producer Clarebout has announced plans to build a new production facility in Beijing, marking a significant step in its expansion into the Asian market. The project, reported by Flemish daily De Tijd and industry sources, is expected to come online by the end of 2026.

The decision to build in the Chinese capital follows Clarebout’s recent entry into a joint venture with Dragon Fritopack in Zhucheng, Shandong province, where the company acquired a 50% stake in an existing potato processing plant. The partnership has provided Clarebout with a foothold in China’s highly competitive frozen potato segment and paved the way for greenfield investment in Beijing.

Clarebout’s financial results for 2024 underline the momentum behind its international strategy. The company reported revenues of €795 million, up 37% from the previous year, with net profit rising to €5.9 million.

The Beijing facility is designed to address the growing demand for frozen potato products in China and wider Asia, as urbanisation and Western-style foodservice trends continue to drive consumption.

While further details on production capacity and investment figures have not been disclosed, Clarebout’s move mirrors a broader push by global players to secure manufacturing capacity closer to key markets. Recent months have seen companies such as Aviko and McCain Foods also expand operations in the region to meet accelerating demand for French fries and other potato-based products.

The project’s timeline foresees commissioning and initial operations before the close of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and construction progress.