Lutosa, the Belgian producer of frozen potato products, is about to complete an investment in Waregem worth more than €200 million, making it one of the largest private investors in West Flanders in recent years. The expenditure will significantly boost the plant’s production capacity and enhance environmental performance.
The investment follows a rigorous and intensive permitting process, during which local authorities and other stakeholders were extensively consulted. The project – already under way and due for completion in mid-2026 – includes the installation of a new production line for fries, the extension of flakes production, the creation of a new potato reception and sorting station, and improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.
Lutosa is not only strengthening its links with over 700 potato growers and its more than 1,000 employees, but also with the region. Belgium, and in particular West Flanders, offers Lutosa – in addition to its flagship site in Leuze-en-Hainaut – a favorable environment for strengthening its competitiveness in the international market for high-quality Belgian potato products.
The upgrade will reduce energy demand for production by more than 25%. In addition, the application of state-of-the-art technology for a new wastewater treatment system will eventually enable 85% of water consumed for processing to be reused.
“Lutosa has a long and successful history in Waregem. I am therefore delighted that we are continuing this history by developing and making more sustainable our production site in Waregem. This will open up new opportunities to better serve our customers with superior product quality, while supporting our growth strategy,” said Managing Director Alain Dufait.
The company, which has been in business for 45 years. exports a wide range of value-added potato products to customers in more than 146 countries.
