French potato processing continues to outperform

Potato processing in France continues to show healthy figures this season. In December the processing level again reached similar levels to last season. So far this season the total processed volume is 3% greater compared to 2024/25.French potato processors took in 151,171 tonnes during December, according to figures published by GIPT. That is a 3% increase compared to November, when 140,781 tonnes were processed. Most notably, the amount of imported potatoes increased, from 34,000 to 41,500 tonnes. Free-buy potatoes decreased to 250 tonnes and the contracted tonnage increased slightly.More potatoes processedSo far this season, from July 2025 onwards, 947,000 tonnes of potatoes have been processed by the industry. That is 29,000 tonnes more compared to the previous season. It means that almost half of the total processing level of 2024/25 has been processed.Monthly figures momentarily dipped during November but are back on the same level as last year, according to the branch figures. Levels of contracted potatoes continue to be lower, but the amount of imported product is notably higher compared to a year ago. This trend also shows in the Dutch processing figures. Processors probably have agreements they need to fulfil as there are plentiful supplies in their own country.Capacity increaseFrance is the odd one out in the EU-4 potato market. Its processing industry saw significant capacity increase, which means that the sector outperforms its own levels. Only five seasons ago, 567,000 tonnes of potatoes were processed in the first six months of the year. This means that the current volume is 67% greater.