Top exporters bring Belgian fries to Thailand

 
A press release on Thursday said the five companies, Agristo, Bart’s Potato Company, Clarebout Potatoes, Ecofrost and Mydibel, will be participating under the “Belgian Fries” banner to heighten awareness of Belgian fries in Thailand and the region.
The five companies represent the five biggest family-owned businesses in the industry in Belgium offering a wide range of potato products and specialties that are exported to over 100 countries worldwide. 
Their participation to Thaifex is part of a five-nation promotion campaign in Southeast Asia, coordinated by VLAM and Belgapom, the association for the Belgian potato trade and processing industry.
Romain Cools from Belgapom, said: “Hot on the heels of exhibiting in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore, we are pleased to bring Belgian fries to Thailand this time round, as part of our plan to increase our presence in the Southeast Asian region. 
“There is an existing market in this region for our products, but we see an even bigger opportunity to expand exports and heighten appreciation for our national delicacy. Southeast Asia is one of the largest fast-growing regions of the world, with a rising middle class, rapid urbanisation and an overall young population. 
“These trends, together with Belgium’s high food standards and innovation, will continue to drive demand in the region and beyond, and our industry is ready to reply to this in an original way, since our Belgian fries are truly different from those from other countries.
“Thailand is well-known as a food-lover’s paradise, and Thai consumers really know and love good food. Belgian fries are still relatively unknown in Thailand, so we are excited about this opportunity to share one of Belgium’s most beloved national dishes with Thailand. 
“Golden yellow and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, Belgian fries, or frites, as we call them, are a true Belgian delicacy that is delicious either as a side served with steak, or as an appetising snack with a mayonnaise-based sauce!”
Along with that, Belgian Fries is the ‘Official Premium Partner for Belgian fries Back to Basic Dip and Topping Sauce Challenge’ and will also be seen participating in Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge.
Belgium is the largest exporter of frozen fries in the world, with 90% of its production freighted to the global market. In 2018, Belgian companies processed an astonishing 5 million tonnes of potatoes.