Potato farmers and fry factories in Belgium are particularly affected by the consequences of the corona pandemic.
Our small neighboring country is the world's largest exporter of french fries and other potato products. French fries, mashed potatoes and chips are made from 5.3 million tons of potatoes annually, which are exported to more than 160 countries.
To prevent the spread of the corona virus, takeaways, cafes and restaurants have closed in many countries. These are the largest distributors of potato products. This sales has dried up 80% in Germany.
Frying food is Belgium's intangible cultural heritage, Romain Cools, secretary general of the Belgian Fry Manufacturers Association, told Reuters. In this way, he encourages his compatriots to consume at least one portion of French fries a week, so that less raw material needs to be destroyed.
Belgium's fries export slumped 40%, the frit industry in neighboring countries France, Holland and Germany have similar problems. In Belgium alone 750 must be.000 tons of fries raw material can be destroyed as animal feed or biomass, since the tubers are only suitable for the production of potato products.
Source
Hansa Terminhandel GmbH
