French potatoes have enjoyed good volumes and demand in 2024/25, according to CNIPT, with good momentum going into the final stages of the campaign
As the 2024/25 potato season progresses, France’s fresh potato sector is demonstrating good momentum, according to CNIPT, the French interprofessional organisation for potatoes.
With an increase in production and strong export demand, the industry is navigating the final months of the campaign with confidence, CNIPT stated.
The 2024 harvest saw a significant boost in production, with a 12.2 per cent increase in volumes compared to the previous year, equating to an extra 800,000 tonnes of potatoes for both the fresh and processing markets.
This growth was primarily driven by an expansion in planted areas, CNIPT revealed, with yields remaining stable. As of January 2025, stocks of fresh potatoes were 470,000 tonnes higher than the previous year.
Domestic demand for fresh potatoes remains stable, despite a slight decrease compared to last year, CNIPT stated, with consumer prices remaining flat.
“On the export front, France confirms its status as the world leader,” CNIPT said. “Since the start of the season, exports have shown growth of 13 per cent in volume, reaching nearly 1.4mn tonnes at the end of January 2025. Despite a slightly weakened Italian market and a general slowdown as usual in February, international demand remains strong, and all markets are showing growth. Let’s hope that customer demand continues.”
As the campaign reaches its final stages, the sector is well-positioned to maintain a steady supply of high-quality potatoes both domestically and internationally. Ensuring the quality of stored batches will be critical to maintaining reliable supply.
The end of the campaign will depend largely on weather conditions and the timing of the 2025 harvest across Europe. While some lower-quality batches may struggle to gain market traction, there will be no supply shortage of French potatoes. The sector aims for a smooth transition into the next campaign, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability.
Joanny Dussurgey, president of CNIPT, commented: “All sector players are committed to ensuring a balanced end to the campaign. We remain vigilant and are driving a responsible approach to meet market and consumer demands, ensuring the long-term success and competitiveness of the fresh potato sector.”
