The Belgian potato sector in figures
Belgium has a strong potato-growing sector and a world-leading processing industry. Over the past ten years, both the cultivated area and total production have grown significantly, reaching record levels in 2025. According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, total Belgian potato production increased from 3.4 million tonnes in 2016 to 4.8 million tonnes in 2025. The average yield in 2025 was 45 tonnes/ha.
Production and yield
Over the course of ten years, the cultivated area grew by approximately 21% to a record high of 107,685 ha. 2025 was a record year in terms of both production and yields.
Among other things, this led to lower prices and large surpluses in storage sheds. As a result, the cultivated area fell sharply again in 2026. Weather conditions in 2026 were also poor, so average production dropped significantly as well.
A global player in potato processing
According to Belgapom, the Belgian potato trade and processing industry association, Belgian industry processed 6 million tonnes of potatoes in 2025, mainly in West Flanders. In the 2024-2025 season, world trade in frozen potato products amounted to 9.28 million tonnes of finished product. Belgium accounted for 2.9 million tonnes of this, or roughly 31% of world trade. It is followed by the Netherlands with 1.73 million tonnes and Canada with 1.41 million tonnes.
New competitors are also emerging. China and India are newcomers to the top ten fry-exporting countries. In Europe, France in particular is on the rise: it now exports 0.7 million tonnes of fries, double the 2019 figure. According to Belgapom, however, much of this French growth comes from new Belgian factories in northern France.
