Belgium: Aviko to expand capacity at production site

Aviko, one of Europe’s biggest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products, has announced plans to expand production capacity at its plant in Poperinge, Belgium, including the establishment of an entirely new production facility for frozen French fries and potato flakes.

The new plant will have a capacity of 175,000 tonnes for frozen chips (fries) and 11,000 tons for flakes annually includes waste water treatment, a 40 metre high cold store, a factory, a washing and sorting area and flakes production. It will serve markets including Western Europe, Asia and South America.

Commenting on the move, Aviko Group CEO Ton Christiaanse said: “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”.

Source: Aviko