The Netherlands and Belgium are the two largest producers of frozen potato products in Europe. The majority of these products - chips, potato croquettes, and rösti - are intended for export. The United Kingdom is an especially important consumer, according to the CBS (Dutch Central Statistical Office).
For years, more than half of all the frozen potato products in Europe, were made in Dutch and Belgian factories. The United Kingdom and Germany are also large producers of frozen chips and related products.
Last year, Europe produced about 3.8 million euros worth of frozen chips. Dutch manufacturers produced about a third of this, about 1.3 million euro. This is about 1.6 billion kilos, or the equivalent of 10 cones of chips, of 175 grams, per Dutchman per week.
UK most important consumer
The Dutch export of frozen potato products has a total value of about 1.3 billion euro. The United Kingdom is the most important consumer, taking about a quarter of this. Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, buy frozen chips, potato croquettes, and rösti, in the Netherlands.
Majority of chips from Belgium
The Netherlands imported about 239 million euros worth of chips and other frozen potato products in 2015. Almost three quarters are from our neighbouring country, Belgium. Germany and France are also important suppliers of frozen potato products. Almost half of this import is intended for the Dutch market. The rest is immediately exported to other countries.
Source: CBS