News On French Fries and Potato Specialties from the Netherlands

CêlaVíta, the Dutch chilled potato processor once owned by McCain, will not restart after bankruptcy. All 171 jobs are lost as the Wezep factory is dismantled and auctioned, marking the end of a well-known name in potato processing.

French Fries from McDonald’s may be world-famous, but they often grow just around the corner. Behind every portion of fries stand local farmers cultivating the potatoes, and Dutch entrepreneurs working together for more sustainable potato farming.

Developing countries like China and India are expanding potato processing, shifting from importers to exporters. Global frozen potato trade rose from USD 7.7B to USD 13.2B (2019–2024), with demand and per-capita consumption growing worldwide.

Investindustrial will acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, leading potato processing equipment makers. The deal unites 3 family-owned firms into a global platform, aiming for growth via integration, innovation, and expansion.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Chilled Potato producer CêlaVíta has gone bankrupt. The Dutch company supplied pre-cut potatoes and pre-seasoned potato products to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants throughout Europe.

In Venlo, the Netherlands, circularity is not just a vision - it’s a working reality. At Looop, a company with roots in the agri-food sector dating back nearly a century, the last 30 years have marked a transformation.

Lamb Weston opened a new factory in Kruiningen, Netherlands, focused on sustainability. The facility reuses water and heat throughout production, making the process more efficient and eco-friendly while delivering high-quality frozen fries.

IFCG-Egypt, a prominent player in the frozen food industry, will participate in two of Europe's most prestigious international food trade shows in 2025.

DCA Market Intelligence strengthens its position as a leading Price Reporting Agency (PRA) in the international potato market with the introduction of the DCA Potato Platform and three new exclusive Frozen Fries Indices. 

Aviko, Europe's largest producer of potato products in the out-of-home segment and one of the top five world market leaders, has signed a trade agreement for seed potatoes together with Averis, a subsidiary of potato starch group Royal Avebe and specialised in the development, propagation and trade of starch potato varieties.

Most potato farmers across the NEPG zone had a lot of luck during October and the beginning of November to finish harvesting, even though some of the harvesting was done in very difficult and expensive conditions.

Lamb Weston opened its second production facility in Kruiningen the Netherlands, joined by employees directly involved in the project, suppliers, and regional/local authorities.

Marel, a global leader in food processing solutions, will hold an event entirely dedicated to Potato Specialties production equipment at its state-of-the-art Boxmeer Demo Center on November 27 and 28, 2024 (Right after Interpom)

On February 16, the preliminary 2023 results were released. The publication of the Annual Report 2023 presents the final results.

As of 2024, the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (VAVI) is joining the organization of Potato Demonstration Day (Aardappeldemodag).

Dutch potato processor Peka Kroef B.V. entered into a purchase agreement with investment company Nimbus on March 14 2024, regarding the acquisition of potato processor Frespo B.V., the former Aviko site in Cuijk.

On March 1, 2024, Nimbus entered into a purchase agreement with CelaVita B.V., a member of the McCain Group of companies, to acquire the activities of CelaVita.