Dutch Potato Processing company Aviko builds greenfield french fry factory in Belgium

Dutch-based company Aviko, one of Europe’s biggest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products, has announced a major investment in its production capacity in Poperinge, Belgium.

The announcement follows approval by Aviko’s parent company Royal Cosun. The investment includes the establishment of an entirely new production facility for frozen French fries and potato flakes for markets in Western Europe, Asia and South America.

Ton Christiaanse,CEO Aviko Group:

“The global market for frozen potato products continues to grow at around 4% per year. Additional processing capacity will allow us to take full advantage of this rapidly growing market and realize our ambitious growth targets.”

“After thorough assessment of cultivation, logistics and the market, Poperinge in the South of Belgium was determined as the best region to expand our mainstream capacity.”

Albert Markusse, CEO Cosun:

“This investment will allow Aviko to further enhance its long-term #1 and #2 positions in the European food service and retail markets, while at the same time pursuing attractive, profitable growth opportunities overseas.”

With activities in more than 110 countries and production locations in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Poland and China, Aviko is the fourth biggest potato products producing company in the world.

The company is part of Royal Cosun, a 2-plus billion Euro agro-industrial cooperative and manufacturer of products and ingredients for food, non-food applications and the chemical industry.