It doesn’t even need to be said anymore – frozen potato products have a strong consumer base all around the world.
And as the market continues to grow, companies and researchers alike look for ways to streamline production while reducing waste. This refers not only to processed products, but also to crops, where new technologies are being applied.
As previously said, the global frozen potato market is on track for even more growth, with projections indicating a market value of USD89.51bn by 2029, up from USD67.27bn in 2023. The market remains highly competitive, with key industry players aggressively pursuing market share through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion.
North America currently leads the global landscape, with the United States at the forefront due to rising demand from time-constrained consumers and the growing popularity of convenience foods. Additionally, the increasing trend of snacking among younger demographics continues to fuel demand for frozen potato products.
In Europe, Germany stands out; the extensive presence of domestic and international quick-service restaurants (QSRs), including major players like McCain Foods, underscores the strategic importance of frozen potatoes in the region’s foodservice industry. French fries continue to dominate the frozen potato segment, projected to hold the largest market share and achieve the fastest growth during the forecast period.
This growth is fueled by the global spread of fast-food culture and the convenience of preparing frozen fries at home. In the first quarter of 2024, global exports of French fries have seen a modest decline of 4,082.3 tons, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. While seven of the eleven major exporting countries reported growth, key European exporters such as the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and Belgium experienced volume declines. Specifically, EU exporters shipped 736,634 tons—a 4.4% decrease from the prior year—driven by reduced output from Belgium and the Netherlands, the bloc’s largest suppliers.
Potatoes Continued To Be a Major Menu Item in the US
According to Datassential’s MenuTrends data, potatoes continued to be a major menu item in the US in 2024, showing up on over eight out of ten menus. The study found that even though younger customers are becoming more interested in potato recipes that integrate sauces and international flavors, potatoes continue to appeal to consumers of all ages and taste preferences.
One reason potatoes are on most menus in the US, regardless of area, is their versatility, which allows them to complement a wide variety of foods and flavor profiles from many cultural backgrounds. Nonetheless, there are minor variations in the number of potatoes served in various food service segments: fast casual: 71.7%; quick-service: 73.7%; midscale: 85.6%; casual: 88.2%; fine dining: 90.5%.
Traditional American food makes up more than one-third of potato choices, but Gen Z (those between the ages of 18 and 28) has demonstrated a greater preference for an array of international varieties. Classic Mexican flavors like chamoy and Tajín; Asian cuisine mainstays like gochujang, black vinegar, eel sauce, and ponzu; and spicy flavors like chili crisp, diablos sauce, and Nashville hot are some of the newest and most popular flavors for this age group.
Even while fries were still the most common potato item on menus and were enjoyed by all customers, popular types included Greek, Italian, and carne asada fries as well as topping variants such as loaded, truffle, and buffalo chicken fries.
Nonetheless, basic, curly, seasoned, crinkle-cut, and home fries were the most popular varieties among all age groups. Traditional mashed potatoes along with loaded and garlic variants, loaded baked potatoes, potato skins, and twice-baked potatoes are some of Gen Z’s favorite comfort food favorites that also appeal to older generations.
In the US, potato consumption reached 19m tons by June 1, 2024, marking an 8% increase from the same period in the previous year. This uptick was accompanied by a 19% rise in potato storage, indicating robust demand and efficient processing capabilities.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe January-February, 2026 issue here.