Frozen potatoes market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen potato market in MERCOSUR expanded steadily from 195.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 256.2 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by the rapid expansion of fast-food and casual dining chains, which increasingly included potato-based dishes in their menus. Urbanization and rising demand for convenient, processed foods further supported market expansion. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced this trend as consumers turned to ready-to-cook frozen potatoes during supply chain disruptions, boosting demand. Post-pandemic recovery in 2021 continued to lift sales through fast-food and supermarket channels.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market volume contracted to 250.0 thousand tons in 2022 and then fell more sharply to 205.8 thousand tons in 2023. The slight dip in 2022 coincided with product innovation efforts, such as low-fat variants and new cooking processes, while the steeper decline in 2023 occurred despite ongoing investments in cold-chain infrastructure and the introduction of organic and sustainable product lines.

Production frozen potatoes in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's frozen potato production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 249.6 thousand tons of frozen potatoes, marking an 11.4% year-over-year rise. Production grew by 19.3% between 2017 and 2020, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 195.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports frozen potatoes from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing an eightfold swing between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 97.9 tons of frozen potatoes, representing a slight decline of 1.4% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 99.3 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 553.6% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for frozen potato exports from MERCOSUR was quite broad. Angola accounted for 19.5% of exports in kind, Liberia for 9.6%, and the Marshall Islands for 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports fluctuated significantly, with a low in 2017 and a peak in 2019, showing an elevenfold change between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 97.8 thousand US dollars worth of frozen potatoes, marking a strong reduction of 13.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 113.1 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 233.0%.

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

The country composition of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. The Marshall Islands accounted for 11.8% of exports in value terms, Liberia for 10.5%, and Malta for 7.8%. Together, these three countries formed just 30.1% of total flows, with the remaining 69.9% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports frozen potatoes to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 183.0 tons of frozen potatoes, constituting a steep improvement of 62.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 91.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 23.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium and Spain continued to lead the list of markets for frozen potato imports to MERCOSUR, together accounting for 58.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import levels fluctuated 2.3 times between the low of 2017 and the high of 2020. In 2020, MERCOSUR's frozen potato import volume came to 158.8 thousand US dollars, indicating an increase of 87.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 17.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium dominated the partner structure for imports in value terms, with a share of 72.3% of total flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

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