Frozen potatoes market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The North American frozen potato market saw its physical volume decline from 1.38 million tons in 2018 to 1.21 million tons in 2020. This contraction was followed by a strong rebound in 2021, when volume jumped to 1.39 million tons. This recovery was propelled by the continued proliferation of quick-service restaurant chains and rising consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-cook food, alongside innovations in frozen potato processing technologies.

In 2022, the market's physical volume stabilized at 1.37 million tons, while its value rose to $1.46 billion. This increase in market value was supported by ongoing investment in advanced cold storage and logistics infrastructure, which improved product availability, and by a persistent consumer preference for Western-style fried snacks. The market's momentum continued into 2023, with volume reaching 1.46 million tons and value surging to $1.84 billion.

The significant 17% rise in frozen potato import prices during 2023 was a key driver behind the sharp increase in the market's dollar value. Major industry players, including Hormel Foods, Lamb Weston, and J.R. Simplot, remained active, underpinned by the sustained expansion of the foodservice sector across the region.

Production frozen potatoes in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

Northern America's frozen potato production declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, the region produced 1 336 thousand tons, but this dropped to 1 210 thousand tons in 2020, marking a 9.4% decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 377 thousand tons, with a modest increase of 0.6% that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern America's frozen potato production value also decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, the output was valued at 1 361 million US dollars, but this fell to 1 124 million US dollars in 2020, representing a significant 17.4% drop. From 2017 to 2020, the production value declined by 17%, averaging a 6.0% annual decrease. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 1 367 million US dollars, with a slight increase of 0.9% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports frozen potatoes from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

Northern America's frozen potato exports grew for the third straight year. In 2019, the region exported 392 tons, which surged to 1 021 tons in 2020, a remarkable 160.2% increase. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 333.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 63.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines, Israel, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for Northern America's frozen potato exports by volume. The Philippines accounted for 7.6% of exports, Israel for 2.4%, and the United Kingdom for 0.5%. Together, these three countries made up 10.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Northern America's frozen potato export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 400 thousand US dollars, rising sharply to 949 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 137.3% jump. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 307%, averaging an annual increase of 59.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Philippines, Israel, and the United Kingdom were key markets for Northern America's frozen potato exports by value. The Philippines represented 10.1% of exports, Israel 3.0%, and the United Kingdom 1.3%. Combined, these three countries contributed 14.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports frozen potatoes to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Northern America's frozen potato imports showed volatile changes. In 2017, imports were at their lowest at 222 tons, then peaked in 2018 at 2 616 tons, creating an 11.8-fold difference. In 2019, imports dropped sharply by 84.5%, but rebounded to 1 946 tons in 2020, a 378.9% increase from the previous year. The largest surge occurred in 2018 with a 1 075.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and Spain were the leading suppliers of frozen potatoes to Northern America by volume, though no single country dominated. Belgium accounted for 14.3% of imports, Italy for 2.1%, and Spain for 1.2%. Together, they represented 17.5% of total import volume, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern America's frozen potato import value experienced significant fluctuations. In 2017, imports were at their lowest at 1 372 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2019 at 4 802 thousand US dollars, a 3.5-fold increase. In 2020, imports fell to 1 920 thousand US dollars, down 60.0% from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2018 with a 99.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Northern America's frozen potato imports by value were distributed across numerous markets. Belgium accounted for 6.9% of imports, Italy for 3.9%, and Colombia for 2.0%. Together, these three countries made up only 12.9% of total import value, indicating a highly diversified supplier base.

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

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