Drought and abnormal heat will lead to the worst potato harvest in recent years, reports international news agency Reuters.
A small and poor quality crop can drive up the price of French fries. Producers are struggling with rising costs, and consumers are struggling with food inflation.
Potatoes, a staple for households, bought fresh or as prepared foods such as french fries or chips, are among the crops hit this year by record temperatures and Europe's worst drought in 500 years.
Drought conditions in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium - the northwest belt that accounts for most of the European Union's potato production - could push EU production to its lowest level on record, according to analysts at World Potato Markets. , lower than in the similar dry year of 2018.
Soaring energy and food prices triggered a sharp increase in inflation, which reached 9% in the euro area, a level not seen in half a century.