Clarebout Potatoes NV, headquartered in Nieuwkerke, Belgium, is one of Europe’s largest and most influential producers of frozen potato products. Established in 1988, Clarebout has grown from a family-run farm into a vertically integrated industrial powerhouse with a global reach. The company specializes in transforming raw potatoes into a wide array of value-added frozen and dehydrated products, supplying customers in retail, foodservice, and industrial sectors across more than 120 countries.
Core Business
Clarebout's core operations focus on the processing, packaging, and global export of frozen potato products. With a fully integrated supply chain, the company oversees everything from potato cultivation partnerships to state-of-the-art processing and cold chain logistics. The company operates large-scale production sites in Nieuwkerke and Warneton, Belgium, enabling it to deliver consistently high volumes while meeting stringent food safety and quality standards.
Product and Service Offerings
Clarebout offers a broad and customizable range of potato products, including:
-
Frozen French Fries:
- Straight Cut Fries
- Crinkle Cut Fries
- Steakhouse Fries
- Shoestring Fries
- Skin-On Fries
-
Potato Specialties:
- Potato Wedges
- Hash Browns
- Potato Croquettes
- Mashed Potato Nuggets
-
Dehydrated Potato Products:
- High-quality Potato Flakes for food industry use
All products are available in bulk and branded packaging under Clarebout’s proprietary brands and for private label distribution.
Specialization and Core USP
Clarebout’s strengths lie in:
- High-Volume Production Capacity: Capable of processing over 1.8 million tonnes of potatoes annually.
- Custom Product Development: Tailored solutions for retail chains, QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants), and industrial clients.
- Private Label Expertise: Supplying customized products to major retailers and brands across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Efficient Cold Chain: Integrated freezing and storage facilities with advanced logistics capabilities.
- Sustainability Commitment: Focused on water recycling, energy recovery, and biomass usage within production.
Financials and Operational Scale
Clarebout ranks among the top five potato processing companies in Europe. Verified figures and estimates include:
- Annual Revenue: Over €750 million (2023 estimates)
- Export Share: More than 95% of total production is exported
- Global Footprint: Products sold in 120+ countries
- Workforce: More than 1,500 employees
Clarebout continues to expand its operations with plans for a new €140 million production site in Frameries, Belgium, further solidifying its market leadership.
Shipment Data
Based on trade intelligence platforms and European export data:
- Annual Export Volume: Exceeds 800,000 metric tonnes of frozen products
- Top Markets: France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Middle East, Southeast Asia
- Preferred Formats: 2.5kg–5kg foodservice packs, 400g–1kg retail bags, 10kg–25kg industrial bags
- Distribution Channels: Retail chains, foodservice distributors, catering networks, private label clients
Target Market
Clarebout serves a broad and diverse clientele, including:
- Major supermarket chains (private label programs)
- International QSR and foodservice operators
- Institutional catering (schools, hospitals)
- Industrial food manufacturers using potato derivatives
- Importers and wholesale distributors
Capabilities
- Two Ultra-Modern Production Facilities in Belgium
- Multiple Freezing Lines for different cut types and formats
- Large Cold Storage Capacity with real-time inventory tracking
- Dedicated R&D Team for customized product development
- Own Logistics and Freight Handling Units
- Multilingual Sales and Export Documentation Teams
Certifications and Compliance
Clarebout ensures compliance with strict international food safety standards:
- BRC Global Standard for Food Safety (Grade AA)
- IFS Food Certification
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- Kosher and Halal Certified Production Lines
- Sedex and SMETA Member (Ethical Trading)
These certifications support the company’s presence in both regulated and emerging markets.
Customer Testimonials
“Clarebout delivers not only on scale but also on consistency and quality. Our partnership spans 10+ years and continues to thrive.”
— Senior Buyer, European Supermarket Chain
“Their private label and foodservice capabilities are unmatched in terms of flexibility and innovation.”
— Procurement Director, Global QSR Brand
Major Achievements
- Top exporter of Belgian frozen potato products globally
- Built one of Europe’s largest frozen storage facilities at over 100,000 pallet capacity
- Consistent multi-year supplier to leading retailers across France, Germany, and the UK
- Ongoing €140M investment in new production facility in Frameries, Belgium
- Received sustainability accolades from Belgian agricultural bodies for eco-efficient operations
Clarebout Potatoes NV exemplifies the highest standards in European agribusiness with a sharp focus on innovation, scale, and global customer service. Its combination of technical excellence, sustainability, and customized product offerings makes it a partner of choice for any enterprise seeking premium frozen potato products worldwide.