European potato sector gathers in Kortrijk for major trade fair

24 November 2024

The European potato sector is gathering in Kortrijk for the Interpom trade fair. For three days, exhibitors will showcase a specialised range of products, machinery and solutions for the potato chain. This year, the fair focuses on the challenges of sustainability in the sector.

According to organiser Belgapom, the trade association for the Belgian potato trade and processing industry, the sector is booming. "Our processing industry achieved record sales last year, processing more than 6.2 million tonnes of potatoes into French fries and specialities," says CEO Christophe Vermeulen.

Sustainability

The industry produced more than 2.9 million tonnes of frozen fries in 2023. There was also a strong annual increase in the purchase value of potatoes, with almost 1.3 billion euros purchased from growers, an increase of 30 per cent. This is partly explained by higher contract prices and historical free market prices due to the shortage in the spring and summer of 2023.

This year, Interpom is focusing on sustainability, as the sector faces major challenges. "Climate change will require serious efforts from the entire sector, not least from our growers," says Vermeulen. "I expect a clear, coherent and ambitious policy from the new government, so that together we can build a sustainable growth scenario."