Uncertain period for the Belgian potato sector

If the demand for potato-based products has increased due to the lockdown, the collapse in demand from the Horeca sector (hotels, restaurants, etc.) is causing a delicate situation among industrialists who are unable to sell their stocks of fresh and frozen fries.

 

 

 

Belgium is the world leader in frozen fries, exporting 80% of its production to 160 countries. But since the spread of the COVID-19 coravirus epidemic, many countries have taken measures to close schools, restaurants and hotels, as well as cancel various sports and cultural events. Orders have stopped and manufacturers estimate the losses at several hundred million euros.

 

 

 

Products accumulate in stocks and many manufacturers have slowed down or stopped manufacturing. This crisis hits the whole chain. It is estimated that producers will end up with 1 million tonnes of unsold potatoes.