French processing plunges in spring

The French potato processing industry processed almost one-fifth fewer potatoes in May than in April, mirroring the trend seen in the Netherlands. Notably, a relatively large volume of imported potatoes was processed, reaching a record high.In May, French factories processed a total of 133,979 tonnes of potatoes, representing a 19% decline compared with April. The volume of contract potatoes collected from French growers fell by 29,000 tonnes month-on-month. Purchases of potatoes on the open market also declined further, dropping to just 2,872 tonnes, the lowest level recorded since last autumn.In total, the French potato industry processed 1.733 million tonnes of potatoes during the 2025–26 season up to and including May. This is only 1.1% lower than the 1.753 million tonnes processed during the same period last season. The relatively small decline is largely attributable to the high processing pace maintained during the autumn months.Import volumes remain highThe volume of imported potatoes remains particularly noteworthy. Although imports also declined in May, with just under 36,000 tonnes processed, the overall level remains remarkably strong. Since the start of the season, French processors have handled a total of 429,000 tonnes of imported potatoes, which is already 4% higher than the total volume imported during the entirety of last season, despite there still being two months remaining in the current campaign.The majority of these potatoes are sourced under contract from Belgian growers. One example is Simplot-Clarebout, which operates in Dunkirk while maintaining strong links with its Belgian base. Several other companies active in France also operate on both sides of the Franco-Belgian border.A major challengeFrench potato processors face a considerable challenge this season. Storage facilities across the country remain heavily stocked with potatoes destined for processing into chips (French fries). This was highlighted by stock figures published by the growers’ organisation UNPT, which showed that 1.85 million tonnes remained in store on 1 May, almost 30% more than a year earlier. Estimates suggest that more than one million tonnes of potatoes may be left without a buyer this season.The gap between last season and the current campaign now stands at 187,000 tonnes. Processors have handled 144,000 fewer tonnes of contract potatoes, while purchases on the open market have fallen by almost three-quarters to just 22,000 tonnes. With two months remaining in the season, however, it should still be possible to match last year’s processing total.Indeed, a new record may still be achievable if French processors can limit the decline over the final months of the campaign. This would be a remarkable outcome in a season characterised by oversupply and negative market sentiment. The sector largely attributes the current situation to a combination of a substantial increase in production, higher export volumes, and weak prices for processed potato products.Buy out contractsGrowers are unlikely to take much comfort from these figures, as many are still left with full stores. Alternative outlets will need to be found for these potatoes. Even the volume of contract potatoes processed has fallen by 10%, which may indicate that some processors have opted to buy out contracts rather than take delivery.Growers holding free-buy potatoes for processing are particularly affected. Demand for varieties such as Fontane and Challenger is virtually non-existent.