French potato processing remains standing in difficult season

Potato processors in France have processed a similar volume of potatoes in April compared to the same month last year. The volume was slightly less compared to the previous month, mainly due to fewer imports. The season is still behind the previous one, but the situation appears to be stable. French potato processors have processed 1,599 million tonnes of potatoes since the season started in July, GIPT figures show. 165,391 tonnes were processed during April, which is a 2.5% reduction compared to the same month last year. The figure is 8% lower compared to March 2026.17% behindThe total processing figure for season 2025-2026 is now 17% lower compared to the season before. Up until April 1,599 million tonnes of potatoes have been processed, which is only marginally lower than the 1,589 million tonnes last year. Free-buy two thirds lower French companies imported 37,323 tonnes during April, which is 2,807 tonnes less compared to March. 3,417 tonnes of free-buy potatoes were processed, but the total figure of 19,000 tonnes this season remains very low. It is a 260% difference with the previous season. It is highly unlikely that the gap of 321,000 tonnes with the previous season will be reduced during the remaining two months of the current season. With only a 0.6% percent difference in the processing pace, it doesn’t look all that bad. The reality is different, with a much higher crop yield last year. Area reduction New figures released by Agreste in early May show that there will be a 5.3% reduction in the ware potato area this year in France. That is an absolute reduction of 10,722 hectares. Significant, but it doesn’t erase last years growth. If French growers will have an average harvest this autumn, the country will face another big crop and a though challenge for processors to find a destination for this volume.