Potato market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the French fresh potato market volume grew steadily, reaching 6 950 thousand tonnes in 2021. This expansion was supported by rising cultivated areas within the NEPG group and a strategy of supply segmentation that strengthened France's export position in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted demand patterns: restaurant closures reduced foodservice consumption but boosted supermarket sales as consumers sought affordable staples. By 2021, exports hit a record 3.2 million tonnes, and household consumption recovered from its initial dip.

In 2022, market volume sharply contracted to 5 532 thousand tonnes due to extreme weather. A summer drought and heatwave led to the lowest harvest in 25 years, with yields below 40 t/ha. Simultaneously, the war in Ukraine caused shortages of seed, fertilizer, and fuel, raising production costs. Despite this, domestic demand remained resilient, with purchases up 5%, particularly for small 1-2 kg packs, while exports exceeded 3 million tonnes, confirming France's global leadership. In 2023, production partly recovered as planted area expanded by 13.3% and yields improved, lifting market volume to 6 257 thousand tonnes, though high input costs continued to pressure prices.

Throughout the period, exports remained the market's primary engine, with France becoming the world's leading exporter by value in 2024. This success relied on efficient logistics, brand quality, and R&D investment in new varieties. Consumer preferences shifted toward convenient small pack sizes, reshaping retail sales. The sector also adapted to tightening phytosanitary requirements in key export markets like Asia and Africa.

Production potato in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France consistently ranked 8th globally in potato production.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

France's potato production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 822 K t of potatoes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 3.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 3.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 7 860 K t, which saw the largest decline of 8.0%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest increase at 8.9%.

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

Exports potato from France

Exports in kind, K t

Potato exports from France continued to rise for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 2 382 K t, showing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 502 K t, which experienced the largest decline of 26.4%. The following year, 2019, saw the biggest increase at 55.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Belgium, and Italy were the primary destinations for French potato exports, accounting for 27.5%, 22.6%, and 14.5% of export volumes, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 64.6% of France's total potato exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, potato exports from France declined in value. In 2020, exports totaled 749.1 M $ US, reflecting a limited decrease of 8.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 25.5%, with an average annual rate of 7.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 820.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Belgium, and Italy were the key markets for French potato exports in value terms, representing 26.0%, 16.6%, and 13.7% of total export value, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 56.4% of France's potato export earnings.

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

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

Imports potato to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France's potato imports amounted to 330 K t, indicating a decrease of 20.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 23.6%, averaging an annual decline of 8.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 249 K t, which saw the largest drop of 42.4%. In 2019, imports rebounded with the highest increase of 66.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain were the main sources of potato imports to France, contributing 49.0%, 25.0%, and 8.0% of import volumes, respectively. Together, these three partners accounted for 82.0% of France's total potato imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's potato import value stood at 109.6 M $ US, showing a sharp decrease of 30.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value declined by 19.2%, with an average annual rate of -6.9%. The highest import value was in 2019 at 158.2 M $ US, which also recorded the largest increase of 43.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain were the principal sources of potato imports to France in value terms, together making up 73.6% of total import value.

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

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