Canada’s Record Potato Crop of 2024: A Global Perspective

Canada’s potato growers have achieved a new production record in 2024, reaching 5.759 million tonnes, just 17,000 tonnes above the previous record set in 2023. Despite a 0.3% decline in planted area, a 0.5% increase in harvested area and improved processing efficiencies have driven this achievement. The total production is more than 1 million tonnes higher than in 2020, underscoring the robust growth of the sector.

Key highlights include significant export gains, particularly to the United States and Mexico, with Canadian frozen potato product exports increasing by 6.4% year-on-year. In contrast, challenges persist in other global markets. Belgium’s free-buy stocks have grown, potentially pressuring prices, while Spain has faced another decline in potato production due to high costs and adverse weather conditions.

Egypt has strengthened its position in Saudi Arabia’s potato fry market, offering competitive prices and quality products, while France continues to see robust demand for its ware potato exports, especially from Southern Europe.