Agristo Invests €350 Million in Hauts-de-France to Expand European Potato Processing Capacity

Belgian potato processor Agristo is expanding its European operations with a €350 million (USD 405 million) investment in Hauts-de-France, France. The project is expected to create around 300 jobs and will establish the company’s second-largest production site, located approximately 120 kilometers from its historic Belgian facility. 

Rather than continuing to serve its key markets from Belgium, Agristo chose to establish operations just across the border in Hauts-de-France. The strategy is designed to bring the company closer to its customers, with France and the United Kingdom ranking among Agristo’s two largest markets, while also optimizing logistics flows and strengthening its presence in the French market.

Why Agristo Chose Hauts-de-France

For its European expansion, Agristo considered only the Hauts-de-France region. Several factors influenced the decision, including the region’s strong potato supply base. Hauts-de-France is at the heart of France’s leading potato-producing area, providing access to high-quality local raw materials and supporting a reliable supply chain for potato processing.

The company also identified suitable land for the project, with the new facility planned on a brownfield site. This provides Agristo with an established location while supporting the redevelopment of previously used industrial land.

Another key advantage is the region’s established agri-food ecosystem. Hauts-de-France has a strong concentration of food-processing companies, agricultural expertise and potential business partners, creating an environment well suited to Agristo’s expansion. 

Local stakeholder support was also an important factor. The company benefited from tailored assistance from regional and local stakeholders as it developed its investment plans and selected the site.

Strengthening Agristo’s French Footprint

The new facility will become Agristo’s second-largest site, extending the group’s production footprint while keeping the operation close to its existing Belgian ecosystem. The relatively short distance between the two locations is expected to support coordination between the sites and maintain strong links with Agristo’s established supply and operational network. 

The €350 million (USD 405 million) project highlights Agristo’s strategy of expanding internationally while remaining closely connected to its existing agricultural, industrial and customer ecosystem. By investing in a major potato-processing facility in one of Europe’s leading potato-producing regions, the company is positioning itself closer to key markets while strengthening its long-term presence in France. 

The project is expected to generate approximately 300 jobs and represents a significant investment in the Hauts-de-France agri-food sector.