India may boost frozen potato exports to Europe amid smaller EU harvest

Indian producers of frozen potatoes and processed potato products are gaining new opportunities to enter the European market amid an expected decline in potato production in EU countries. According to the North-Western European Potato Growers Association, marketable potato production in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands is forecast to fall by 25.4% in 2026 to 20.7 mln tons, compared with 27.75 mln tons a year earlier.

Against this backdrop, India is actively expanding its potato product exports. In 2025, exports of frozen and prepared potato products reached $279 mln, compared with $203 mln in 2024, an increase of 37.4%. The total value of potato and processed potato product exports across six major categories amounted to approximately $449.6 mln.

Lower European production could create additional demand for imported French fries and other frozen potato products. According to Global Potato Summit representatives, Indian suppliers could benefit from this opportunity if they offer competitive prices, consistent product quality and reliable shipment volumes that meet European buyers’ requirements.

Meanwhile, India has a substantial raw material base to support further processing expansion. The country’s potato production in the 2025/26 season is forecast at 59.89 mln tons, compared with 58.57 mln tons a year earlier. However, expanding exports will require increased production of specialized processing varieties, high-quality seed potatoes and the development of modern storage infrastructure.

The future prospects for Indian potato products in the European market will depend on the actual decline in EU supplies, the competitiveness of imports and the capabilities of local processors. Under favorable conditions, India could strengthen its position in the international frozen potato market, particularly in the French fries segment.

Tags: EU, India, potato