Flemish exports of potato products fell by 23 percent in 2025. Exports of frozen vegetables also fell by 8 percent. Flanders is a world leader in frozen fries.
US trade tariffs, growing competition from local processors, higher exports of fresh vegetables to neighboring countries due to a good harvest in 2025 are cited as reasons. Trade with the US decreased by 2 percent.
Overcapacity in the potato market is prompting major Belgian players such as Clarebout Potatoes and Lutosa to take action. At the factory of Clarebout, there is temporary unemployment, and at Lutosa, part of the weekend work has been cancelled. Clarebout has recently be acquired by the US food company Simplot last year. Lutosa is part of the Canadian McCain. The Belgian family-owned Agristo has opened a factory in India and is constructing new factories in France and the US.
Exports of all agricultural products rose by 5 percent last year to 61.4 billion euros, while imports grew by 6 percent to 51.9 billion euros, both record values. Potato preparations, such as frozen fries, contributed most strongly to the positive trade balance last year.
According to OEC.world, exports of frozen prepared potatoes have increased from 1,7 bil. US$ in 2018 to 4,1 bil. US$ in 2024.
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