Belgium’s potato processing sector heats up as McCain Foods announces a €225 million investment to double Lutosa’s frozen potato production capacity. This strategic expansion aims to meet the rapidly increasing global demand for frozen potato products.
In a bold move signaling intensified competition within the potato processing industry, Canadian potato giant McCain Foods is significantly upgrading its Lutosa facility in Waregem, West Flanders. The investment will raise Lutosa’s annual production capacity at the Waregem site to 335,000 tons, increasing the company’s total output across all facilities to 735,000 tons annually.
This substantial enhancement involves constructing a state-of-the-art processing line for frozen fries, an advanced sorting installation, expanded potato flake production, additional office space, and improved water treatment facilities. Scheduled for completion by September 2026, this development also creates 100 new job opportunities, highlighting a careful balance between automation and human resources.
Belgium remains a critical player in the global frozen potato market, exporting approximately 3 million tons annually, nearly 20% of the world’s total consumption of 15.5 million tons of frozen fries. Lutosa’s expansion aligns with similar ambitious moves from other Belgian companies, including Agristo and Clarebout. Agristo alone plans investments worth €1.1 billion across new production sites in Belgium, North France, India, and the United States. Clarebout further strengthens its market position through strategic acquisitions of Pomuni and Mydibel.
These investments underscore Belgium’s dominant position and commitment to maintaining competitiveness in international markets. The industry’s growth is driven by rising consumer demand for convenient and processed potato products globally, particularly in emerging economies.
