French processors continue to be the best boy in the class

Judged by the most recent French processing figures, the fry potato sector in this EU-4 country continues to be the best boy in the class. Its processing level is only marginally lower compared to last year and the current processing season is still perform above the level of last years’ record value. French fries are finding buyers more easily compared to its ware potatoes. French potato companies processed 159,000 tonnes of potatoes during the month of November in to French fries and other potato products. French processors association GIPT recently published its November 2025 figures. This latest level is only 1% below the same month last year, but 10% less compared to October 2025. So far this season shows a plus of 6% in the processing volume since July. Up until December 822,000 tonnes of potatoes were processed compared to 771,000 tonnes last year. The amount of free-buy or open market potatoes remains to be minimal this season so far. In November processors purchased only 1,614 tonnes of additional potatoes, which is a few hundred kilograms more compared to October. This season so far, 5,000 tonnes of potatoes were purchased. That is 0,6% of the total processed volume. 30% import The situation in France is similar compared to the Netherlands in term of import potatoes. During November 47,000 tonnes were imported, which is slightly more than October and 30% of the total processed volume. In comparison: during October the Netherlands imported 52.8% of its total potato use. This volume is more than triple the amount of France. The fact that France imported a significant amount of potatoes can be explained. Its potato industry is closely linked to Belgium and both processors and growers are working practically without borders. Especially in the regions Wallonia and Northern France, where most of the processing potatoes are grown. Last season French processors went through a record-volume of 1.92 million tonnes of potatoes. This is an increase of 19% compared to the previous season, which amounts to 302,000 tonnes. This is partly due to a favourable crop and partly because of the increased processing capacity. Clarebout’s new mega plant in Dunkirk has a lot to do with this increase. This season so far, companies have processed 43% of the total volume from last year, after five months of processing. First quotation for season 25/26 The French RNM quotation published its first price for Fontane processing potatoes this season on December 9th. The quoted price of €3 per 100 kg is somewhat surprising, given the fact that this is double than what is currently being paid in Belgium and the Netherlands. Prices of €3 are currently only being paid for Innovator. The Flemish quotation from Viaverda published a price of €1 tot €1.50 for Fontane this week. The last time that RNM published a quote was on July 17th. For Innovator there has, so far, only been one quote. Early October a price of €3 was quoted as well. Looking at the big picture – with French fry export figures over a twelve month period – it also shows that France is the best boy of the class. Its export figures were 40% above the previous period, as explained in a recent French fry market analysis on DCA MI. New figures, from September and October, show that early autumn the export level performed well above last year, but this level has since dropped considerably. Remarkable export growth During September French processors exported 72,316 tonnes of deep frozen French fries. That is a 35% increase compared to the same month last year and extraordinary given the current market situation. Looking at a breakdown of this figure, it shows that Belgium took 135% more fries during that month. It is most likely that this is re-export where French produce will be exported from Belgian harbours, or produce that is stocked in Belgian freezers. This high level of exports continues to be the case during October, although the level of 11,343 tonnes was actually somewhat less compared to a year ago. Spain, the second biggest destination, took 49% more fries in September and Italy – France’s number three – saw a 4.5% increase. The figures for October are somewhat different. The total exported volume of 61,917 tonnes is 3% lower compared to the same month last year and 14% less than September of this year. France’s fry prices are fluctuating somewhat since this summer, being under pressure from cheap potatoes and worldwide competition. The average sales price was €1,220 per tonne during September and October. Last year prices were €1,310 and €1,250 per tonne. Cheap ware potatoes The ware potato market in France, and elsewhere in Europe, is also under great pressure from a good harvest this season. Prices dropped by a quarter during October and this helped to generate more sales. France exported 15% less ware potatoes during this month, compared to last year, but figures for the current season are 5.6% higher compared to the same period last year. Belgium and Spain both bought significantly less potatoes, but Italy and notably Germany purchased a higher volume. The average RNM quotation for ware export potatoes is €17 per 100 kg, which is half of last year’s level.