Frozen potatoes market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen potato market in the CIS region began a phase of rapid expansion in 2018, triggered by the launch of a new production facility by Lamb Weston Belaya Dacha. This significant capacity addition, coupled with the ongoing embargo on raw material imports that encouraged domestic substitution, led to a sharp rise in local output. Import volumes of finished frozen potatoes concurrently declined, further shifting the market toward homegrown supply.

The market's growth trajectory continued through the pandemic period. In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions on the foodservice sector boosted retail demand for frozen potato products for home consumption. Subsequent years saw increased investment in modernizing freezing lines and the introduction of new food labeling regulations (TR TS 021/2011), which helped improve product standards and supported production capacity growth.

Expansion accelerated from 2022 onward, supported by state subsidies and incentives for domestic manufacturers. Major projects were announced, including the Miratorg frozen french fry and potato dices plant slated for launch in 2024. These developments, along with active export promotion to other CIS countries, solidified the foundation for sustained market growth through 2023 and into 2024.

Production frozen potatoes in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

Frozen potato production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 91 445 tonnes of frozen potatoes, which represents a 10.6% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 501.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 81.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen potatoes from CIS

Exports in kind, t

Frozen potato exports from the CIS have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 92.6 tonnes, marking a significant decrease of 10.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 69.7%, with an average annual decline of 32.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Qatar were the primary destinations for frozen potato exports from the CIS, together accounting for 5.7% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Frozen potato exports from the CIS in value terms have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 186 000 US dollars, reflecting a 16.1% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 33.4%, with an average annual decrease of 12.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 351 000 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 36.8% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 25.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Qatar, and Turkmenistan were the main destinations for frozen potato exports from the CIS in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 14.1% of exports, Qatar for 1.2%, and Turkmenistan for 0.7%, together making up 16.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen potatoes to CIS

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 at 2 138.8 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2020 at 420.7 tonnes, resulting in a 5.1-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, imported frozen potato volumes in the CIS totalled 420.7 tonnes, down by 44.6% year-on-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 64.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 168.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany remained the main suppliers of frozen potatoes to the CIS in volume terms. Poland accounted for 4.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 1.6%, and Germany for 0.9%, together representing 7.3% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached a high in 2018 at 2 177 000 US dollars and fell to a low in 2020 at 607 000 US dollars, varying 3.6 times between these years. In 2020, CIS frozen potato imports totalled 607 000 US dollars, representing a 21.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 64.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 178.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for frozen potato imports to the CIS in value terms was quite broad. Poland accounted for 13.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 7.5%, and Germany for 3.9%, together representing 24.5% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020