"We found we needed to specialize to work as efficiently as possible," says Edouard Deprez, who co-owns Deprez Frites with brothers Charles and Pierre. This Belgian company primarily peels, processes, and packages French fries. By focusing on a single core activity, the business achieves efficient processes and a competitive edge. "About 90% of our turnover comes from French fries." This specialization helps them control costs and ensure quality, though processing undersized potatoes is not economically viable.
Investing in mechanization
Since acquiring the company seven years ago, the brothers have invested heavily in automation. Supplementary equipment, like optical sorters and cooling systems, are particularly crucial for efficiency. "We don't want to operate with zero staff, we just want to use labor as efficiently as we can," Edouard explains. Advanced technology lets Deprez Frites minimize quality losses and further optimize production processes.
Regional growth potential
The company is ambitious, but its current focus lies in the West and East Flanders region. According to Edouard, there are still plenty of local opportunities before they expand into other markets. Demand also keeps rising within the fresh fries segment. "We first fully mastered the production process; now we're taking further steps into the market."
Varietal choice is vital
Choosing the correct variety is critical for potato processing efficiency. "Early in the season, the different varieties have minimal losses during processing. As the end of storage nears, though, those differences increase," Edouard points out. Traditional varieties, such as Bintje, with their limited shelf life and yields, make them less and less attractive.
The search for suitable varieties is continuous and complex. The co-owner notes that a single variety often does not have all the needed traits like size and peeling efficiency. "Some potatoes look beautiful but bake poorly, while others taste great but are way too small," he says. "The future is all about choosing the right varieties."
Own cultivation and seed potatoes
To ensure quality, Deprez Frites grows some 85% of its potatoes itself. That offers flexibility and means the company does not have to depend on late-season lower quality. Seed potato availability is, however, challenging. "In the last three years, getting good seed potatoes has become increasingly difficult."
Nighttime deliveries are more efficient
Deprez Frites delivers its fresh fries at night to avoid traffic jams and save time. The trucks return around 9 a.m., giving enough time to solve problems. "Night deliveries are more efficient and avoid wasted time during the day," Edouard concludes.
With its focus on specialization, automation, and varietal optimization, Deprez Frites keeps responding to changing market demands. The company proves that efficiency and quality are key to success in the competitive French fries sector.
Deprez Frites
Venecolaan 44a
9880 Aalter
T +32 (0)475 48 45 58
[email protected]
www.deprez.eu