Belgium

Belgium is a global leader in the potato sector, ranking as the top importer and playing a pivotal role in European trade due to its strong domestic demand and strategic processing capabilities. The primary production region is Flanders in the north, known for its fertile soils and favorable climate, while Wallonia in the south is also expanding its contribution through growing acreage and processing collaborations. The Tournai–Roeselare corridor is the core hub for processing and export operations.

Belgium’s potato cultivation supports both fresh consumption and industrial processing, with major varieties including Bintje, Fontane, Innovator, Challenger, Melody, Lady Christl, and others such as Musica, Terra Gold, Jazzy, and red-skinned types. Less than 15 percent of Belgian potatoes are eaten fresh—about 86 percent are processed into crisps, frozen fries, starch, and other products. 

The sector is highly industrialized, and potatoes are the country’s second most cultivated crop after cereals. Potatoes hold deep cultural significance in Belgium, as seen in iconic dishes like frites and national events such as the PotatoEurope fair and the Frietmuseum in Bruges. As per FAO, Belgium produced approximately 4.02 million tonnes of potatoes in 2023.

The history of potatoes in Belgium dates back to 1587, when a Belgian official in Mons received potato samples from a friend of the Vatican ambassador—later forwarding them to a botanist in Vienna. By the late 1600s, potatoes had become common in rural regions along the Meuse River, particularly in Namur, Dinant, and Andenne, where locals began frying sliced potatoes in winter as a substitute for fish. This practice, dating to around 1680, is widely regarded as the origin of fries.

By the 1800s, fries had become a staple of Belgian street food culture, with historical records noting a fry stand in Liège as early as 1838. The term “French fries” was popularized later, most likely by American soldiers during World War I who mistakenly believed they were in France, as Belgian soldiers predominantly spoke French.