Frozen potatoes market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen potato market in Finland experienced notable shifts in volume and value between 2018 and 2024. A modest but persistent rise in retail trade margins from 2018 through 2022 contributed to price developments within the food market, affecting the overall value environment for frozen potatoes. The market's physical volume saw a sharp contraction in 2019, primarily due to a steep drop in imports, before recovering in the following years. Domestic production followed a general upward trend, strengthening significantly by the end of the period.

By 2023, growing sales of frozen potatoes and vegetables, facilitated by reduced food waste considerations and the product's convenience for home cooking, supported sustained consumer demand. The market expanded markedly in 2024, with production and total consumption reaching new highs. This surge was driven by the war in Ukraine, which disrupted raw material supplies and raised food prices, leading inflation-weary consumers to prioritize affordable staple foods like frozen french fries for their value and ease of preparation.

Production frozen potatoes in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Finland's output of frozen potatoes was valued at 14 307 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Finland ranked as the 29th largest producer of frozen potatoes globally during the 2017–2020 period.

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

Frozen potato production in Finland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 6 717 tonnes of frozen potatoes, representing a 10.7% rise year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 30%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

Exports frozen potatoes from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market for frozen potato exports from Finland showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 15-fold difference between these years. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 13 tonnes, down 69.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 88.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with an 85.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Russia, and Sweden were the top destinations for Finland's frozen potato exports in volume terms. Norway accounted for 51.5% of exports, Russia for 18.1%, and Sweden for 16.8%. Together, these three countries represented 86.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of frozen potato exports from Finland was highly volatile during these years. Export values reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2020, showing an 11.3-fold shift. In 2020, exports were valued at 24 thousand US dollars, down 47.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 87.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 38.5% rise.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Norway, Sweden, and Russia were the leading buyers of frozen potatoes from Finland in value terms. Norway accounted for 50.7% of export value, Sweden for 20.5%, and Russia for 12.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 83.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports frozen potatoes to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Imports of frozen potatoes into Finland exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a 12.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, shipments from abroad totaled 3 631 tonnes, showing a sharp increase of 396.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 731 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 91.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands dominated Finland's frozen potato imports in volume terms, accounting for 79.8% of total flows. Other countries together made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of frozen potato imports into Finland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 742 thousand US dollars, down 50.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 55.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 930 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 5.8% rise.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands clearly dominated Finland's frozen potato imports in value terms, accounting for 85.5% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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