Statistics agency reports strong growth in consumption potato area while starch segment continues to shrink

The Netherlands is seeing a notable shift in its potato production landscape in 2025, with the acreage dedicated to consumption (fresh/table) potatoes reaching its highest level in 25 years. According to recent figures released by the national statistics agency CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek), and reported by Welingelichte Kringen, Dutch growers are planting more than 83,000 hectares of consumption potatoes this year — an 8.6 percent increase over 2024.

The last time the cultivated area for consumption potatoes exceeded 80,000 hectares was in the year 2000, making this year’s expansion a significant milestone for the sector.

Shift in potato portfolio

The total area planted to potatoes in the Netherlands now exceeds 164,000 hectares. Notably, the proportion of this area devoted to consumption potatoes has grown, while starch potato acreage has been steadily declining. Once holding a stable share of around 30 percent, starch potatoes now account for only about one-quarter of the total, reflecting an ongoing shift in market orientation and grower preference.

Half of all potatoes grown in the country are now destined for direct consumption markets, while the remaining quarter is allocated to seed potato production.

Wider arable expansion underway

CBS also reports that the total arable land area in the Netherlands has expanded by 3.1 percent in 2025 to nearly 547,000 hectares — roughly in line with the area recorded in 2023.

This year also marks another record for seed onions, or zaaiuien, driven largely by the continued growth in red onion production. The area under seed onions has increased by 3.6 percent. While yellow onions remain the dominant type, their planted area has seen a slight decline from last year.

Implications for the sector

The expansion in consumption potato acreage points to sustained demand in processing and retail markets, as well as solid returns for growers making strategic crop choices. At the same time, the contraction of the starch segment signals broader market dynamics that continue to reshape Dutch potato farming.

Analysts and industry players will be watching closely to see whether this consumption-focused trend holds in future seasons, especially in the face of tightening climate regulations, input costs, and evolving export opportunities.

Source: Welingelichte Kringen. Original report in Dutch here
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