NEW DELHI: India’s rise in the frozen French fry industry is a tale of transformation. Once a major importer, the country has emerged as a leading exporter, shipping 135,877 tonnes in 2023-24. This success stems from contract farming, innovative techniques, and cultivating processing-grade potatoes suited for global markets.
Exports have surged, with 106,506 tonnes shipped by October 2024, targeting markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Gujarat-based HyFun Foods spearheads this growth, accounting for over 80% of exports, while other players like Iscon Balaji Foods and Chemstar Foods add strength to India’s global presence.
India’s potato industry, second in size only to China’s, traditionally focused on table varieties unsuitable for processing. However, specialised potatoes like Santana and Kufri Chipsona, rich in dry matter and low in reducing sugars, have revolutionised French fry production. These varieties ensure better yields, frying quality, and reduced costs.
Contract farming has been instrumental in this success. HyFun Foods, collaborating with over 6,000 farmers, procured 300,000 tonnes of potatoes in 2023-24, with plans to increase it to 400,000 tonnes in 2024-25. Farmers benefit from guaranteed buyback prices above market rates, ensuring stable incomes and better yields averaging 12.5 tonnes per acre.
HyFun Foods also prioritises sustainability, promoting manure inter-cropping and soil fertility, reducing cultivation costs, and boosting profits.
Beyond French fries, India’s potato industry produces hash browns, flakes, and value-added products, diversifying revenue streams for domestic and global markets.
India’s transformation in frozen potato exports demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration. With its focus on sustainability and expanding markets, India is set to become a global leader in processed potato products.
