Reflecting on Two Decades of Growth and Future Prospects
Top’Pom is commemorating its 20th anniversary this year with a notable milestone: achieving its best sales performance to date. Antoine Geysels, the company’s director, shares insights into Top’Pom’s journey, production trends, market conditions, and upcoming initiatives.
Top’Pom was established in 2004 by producers in the Arcis-sur-Aube basin who sought to consolidate their potato production for greater market impact and optimized value. Initially managing 700 hectares, the company has expanded to nearly 1,000 hectares. Top’Pom has been involved in trading since its inception, with trading now accounting for the majority of its sales volumes.
In its anniversary year, Top’Pom reports its highest sales figures ever, marking a 20% increase from the previous season. This achievement is attributed to strengthened relationships with both French and European partners. The company promotes French potatoes through long-term partnerships, and volumes from Champagne-Ardenne, Beauce, and Hauts-de-France have seen significant growth.
Regarding production forecasts, Geysels notes a promising state of vegetation and higher tuberisation compared to last year, indicating potential production increases. However, he cautions about the underperformance in late-planted areas in France and other NEPG countries and ongoing mildew pressures due to favorable weather conditions.
As the new season begins with the first availability of potatoes in Beauce, demand is high while supply remains limited, allowing for high initial prices. These prices are expected to decrease as grubbing-up progresses in the coming weeks. Export demand from Spain and Italy is already active, anticipating sufficient quantities of French potatoes.
Top’Pom is also focusing on diversifying its potato types to tap into the growing processing niche, aiming to offset the slow but steady decline in fresh market consumption. The UNPT and CNIPT organizations report strong growth in French and European industrial demand for the third consecutive year.
For more information:
Antoine Geysels
Top’Pom
Z.I. Villette 10700
Arcis-sur-Aube
Phone: +33 3 25 37 12 16
antoine@top-pom.fr
www.top-pom.fr
