Europe's French Fry Industry Drowning in Potatoes Amid Price Collapse

Europe's french fry industry is drowning in potatoes, facing an unprecedented crisis as overflowing potato stocks have caused prices to plummet. Farmers in Belgium, the birthplace of french fries and the world's largest exporter of the frozen delicacy, have resorted to dumping potatoes, with prices falling to nearly zero after previously fetching 600 euros per ton. In Berlin, one farmer gave away nearly 4,000 tons of surplus potatoes for free. Norway is also experiencing a significant surplus of local potatoes. The situation is particularly dire in Belgium, where a large portion of potato production is dedicated to french fry manufacturing. In contrast, Danish potato production largely goes towards starch, which can be stored longer than table potatoes. However, Carl D. Heiselberg, head of the industry organization Danske Kartofler, noted that during periods of overproduction in Europe, even table potatoes are sold for starch production. The surplus primarily affects potato varieties not typically sold directly to consumers in stores. Belgium exported $3.3 billion worth of frozen potatoes in 2025, nearly tripling from the previous decade. However, this growth has halted due to several factors, including the war in the Middle East, which has reduced demand from major customers like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, inflation in Europe and soaring fertilizer prices have squeezed producers. Further challenges include increased tariffs in the United States and a growing consumer preference for healthier food options over french fries, contributing to the industry's current predicament.

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But when there is overproduction in Europe, the table potatoes are sold as starch.