Harvest decline prompts industry call for action

Following a historically poor 2026 harvest, the National Interprofessional Committee for Potatoes (CNIPT) has urged large distributors to shift from commitments to concrete actions and adjust their practices, especially by lowering the standards for "fries" potatoes. The poor yield has been attributed to unfavorable summer weather that slowed the growth of tubers.

French potato production faces significant drop

Cultivated areas in France have decreased by 10 percent, with an average yield of 37.9 t/ha, which is 7.5 t/ha less than the average of the last ten years. French potato production is expected to be 2 million tons less than that of the previous year, marking a significant decline in output.

New standards for 'fries' potatoes introduced

In response to the situation, the CNIPT has lowered the minimum caliber for preserved potatoes labeled as "fries" from 50 mm to 45 mm. The committee emphasizes that the requirements ensuring suitability for the preparation of fries remain unchanged, though the adjustment aims to accommodate the current harvest conditions.

Retailers show mixed commitment

While the distribution sector has committed to adapting its practices to support the industry, the CNIPT notes that on the ground, professionals in the interprofessional sector still observe practices and requirements that do not sufficiently reflect the reality of the 2026 harvest. This discrepancy highlights the gap between commitments and actual implementation.

Call for collective action to stabilize the market

The interprofessional organization is requesting concrete changes in commercial relationships, specifications, and grading practices, similar to the adaptation of the caliber of "fries" potatoes. The CNIPT stresses the importance of collective effort to ensure proper valuation of the harvest and to preserve the sharing of value among all links in the supply chain. It warns that without proper valuation on the French market, professionals may turn to exports.