Wallonia's renowned fries makers and fritkot culture will come into the spotlight during the 11th edition of the annual Semaine de la Frite (Fries Week) from 6 until 12 November.
Short video clips filmed inside friteries (chip shops) will be shared on social media platforms, showcasing professionals in the field.
Over a third of Belgium's 5,000 friteries are in Wallonia. Prominent in Walloon agriculture, 4,000 potato growers manage over 45,000 hectares of farmland. Their annual yield reaches 2-2.5 million tonnes, event organisers say. These potatoes supply a range of markets, including those for fresh chips. Wallonia's friteries serve 130 tonnes of chips daily.
The Federation of Walloon Potato Growers highlights that the professional expertise in Wallonia's fresh fries sector is beyond dispute. "The producers have lengthy experience in growing and storing Bintje potatoes, while the peelers have mastered the peeling processes and invest continually."
The Fries Week aims to honour the cultural and social importance of chip makers, a profession adapting to socio-economic developments. Belgian actor and comedian Jacques Delfosse will pay tribute to them by presenting seven mini-clips capturing the extent of Wallonia's fritkot culture.
