Frozen prepared potatoes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the German frozen prepared potato market volume expanded from 487.2 thousand tons to 561.3 thousand tons, despite a minor dip in 2020. The market value showed a more modest increase over this period, rising from 464.2 million dollars to 501.8 million dollars.

Beginning in 2022, the recovery of the out-of-home foodservice sector from the COVID-19 pandemic supported a further rise in market volume to 585.4 thousand tons. Simultaneously, high and rising producer prices for table potatoes started to exert upward pressure on the overall market value.

By 2024, market volume reached 611.1 thousand tons, bolstered by growing consumer demand for frozen potato products in both volume and sales terms. The market value surged sharply to 804.2 million dollars, primarily driven by a scarcity of processing potatoes which triggered a significant price rally. New packaging and labeling requirements, including a deposit system for single-use packaging and stricter EU food information rules, introduced additional operational considerations for industry players.

Production frozen prepared potatoes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Germany's production of frozen prepared potatoes declined in value terms. In 2019, output reached its peak at 433.4 million US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 425.6 million US dollars, representing a 1.8% decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 7.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 511.8 thousand tonnes of frozen prepared potatoes, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 0.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 536.6 thousand tonnes. Production declined by 5.3% in 2019, while the largest increase of 6.3% also occurred in 2018.

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

Exports frozen prepared potatoes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of frozen prepared potatoes in volume terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 316.5 thousand tonnes, down 3.8% compared to the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 339.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of frozen prepared potatoes in volume terms were widely distributed across various partner countries. The top three destinations—the Netherlands with 18.8%, Italy with 10.7%, and France with 5.9%—together accounted for only 35.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of Germany's frozen prepared potato exports declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 283.2 million US dollars, a decrease of 5.6% year-on-year. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 300.0 million US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6.1%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with an 8.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's frozen prepared potato exports in value terms were spread across numerous countries. Even the largest markets—the Netherlands, Italy, and France—collectively represented just 33.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports frozen prepared potatoes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Germany's imports of frozen prepared potatoes in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 319.6 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.2% decrease compared to 2019. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 340.5 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.4%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Belgium dominated Germany's imports of frozen prepared potatoes in volume terms, jointly accounting for 87.3% of total flows. Other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the value of Germany's frozen prepared potato imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 357.8 million US dollars, down 5.9% from 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 380.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Belgium were the primary markets for Germany's frozen prepared potato imports in value terms, jointly representing 86.2% of total flows. Other destinations held relatively smaller shares.

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

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