Belgium Capitalises on Its Legacy of Potato Production by Establishing the Global Standard for Processed Potatoes
Belgium has established itself as the world’s largest exporter of frozen potato products.
15 April 2025
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Photo credit: VLAM
Belgium’s exports of potato products reached 3.5 million tonnes in 2023, and it has firmly established itself as the world’s largest exporter of frozen potato products. This legacy is built on generations of agricultural expertise, craftsmanship and commitment to quality and innovation. Belgium may be a small country by size, but it holds a commanding presence in the global food industry, most notably in potatoes and potato products.
At the heart of this success lies Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, where optimal soil conditions, favourable climate, and deep-rooted farming knowledge converge to produce premium-quality potatoes. These conditions, combined with a long-standing tradition of excellence, have allowed Belgian processors to lead the world in potato product innovation—from crispy golden fries to croquettes, mashed potatoes, crisps, and flakes.
Flemish farmers harvested 2.3 million tonnes of fresh potatoes in 2023. With a total Belgian production of 4 million tonnes in 2023, Belgium is among the top five largest producers of potatoes in the EU. Product quality, food safety, traceability and sustainability are the cornerstones of the success of Belgian potatoes
Belgian processors lead the world in potato product innovation—from crispy golden fries to croquettes, mashed potatoes, crisps, and flakes. | Photo Credit: VLAM
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Belgium’s reputation in the food industry is a result of decades of investment in technology, safety, and sustainable practices. The sector is known for its cutting-edge processing techniques, ensuring product consistency, flavour, and food safety that meet the highest international standards.
This commitment to excellence is further reinforced by Belgium’s focus on traceability and environmental responsibility. Belgian producers prioritise sustainability and efficiency, from reducing food waste to adopting energy-efficient technologies throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, most Belgian potato products are certified halal, and producers are flexible in adapting their processes to meet halal requirements where necessary.
A Growing Footprint in Asia
As the global appetite for high-quality, processed potato products grows, so too does Belgium’s reach. Nearly half (49%) of Belgian processed potato exports now go beyond Europe, with Asia emerging as a fast-growing market. Within East and Southeast Asia, Belgium is already exporting to nearly all key markets.
Japan leads the region with over 41,000 tonnes imported in 2024, followed by South Korea (22,000 tonnes), Malaysia (17,000 tonnes), and the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Singapore, with its sophisticated food service sector, holds the 8th position in regional imports from Belgium.
In total, 3.8% of Belgium’s global exports of processed potatoes are now destined for East and Southeast Asia—a number that continues to grow year on year.
Photo credit: VLAM
Outside of the European Union, the United Kingdom remains Belgium’s top export destination, followed by major markets such as the United States, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. With these markets showing consistent year-on-year growth, Belgium’s position as a global leader is not just secure—it is expanding.
VLAM, co-financed by the European Union, brought several leading Belgian exporters of frozen potato products to the region’s largest B2B food and beverage trade show, FHA (Food & Hotel Asia), in Singapore from April 8 to April 11, 2025. VLAM, Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board, is a non-profit organisation that promotes the sale, added value, consumption, and image of products, as is focused on solidifying their presence in Asia.
The Cultural Legacy of Belgian Fries
Central to Belgium’s global potato reputation is the iconic Belgian fry, a staple that is both a national treasure and an international favourite. So deeply ingrained is this culinary icon that Belgium’s Frietkot culture—the tradition of enjoying fries from small, family-run stalls—has been officially recognised as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Yet, Belgian processors offer much more than just fries. The sector’s ability to meet diverse culinary needs makes it a reliable partner for food service professionals seeking variety, quality, and consistency in their offerings.
Photo credit: VLAM
Built on Family, Driven by Service
Many of Belgium’s leading potato processing companies are family-run businesses built on values of trust, flexibility, and customer service. This personal approach has enabled Belgian exporters to build long-term partnerships with buyers across the globe, offering tailored solutions to meet market-specific needs.
With its heritage, innovation, and global vision, Belgium continues to set the gold standard in processed potatoes, making it a trusted choice for importers, distributors, and food service leaders across the globe.
Further information on Belgium’s potato production and key products can be found on https://www.flanderspotatoproducts.com/en
Photo credit: VLAM
VLAM – BELGIAN FROZEN POTATO PRODUCTS
VLAM, Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board, is a non-profit organisation promoting the sale, the added value, the consumption and the image of products and services of the Flemish agriculture, horticulture, fishery and agro-alimentary sector in Belgium and abroad. It is commissioned by the business community and by the Flemish government and cooperates actively with as many links in the food chain as possible.
