Global Potato Summit 2026 to Highlight Rising Potato Exports and Processing Opportunities in India

India’s potato industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by rising production, expanding food-processing capabilities and rapidly increasing exports of fresh and value-added potato products. With international demand for frozen French fries, dehydrated potato ingredients and processed snacks creating new commercial opportunities, India is strengthening its position as a significant supplier to global markets. At the same time, weather-related production pressures in parts of Europe could create opportunities for Indian growers, processors and exporters to expand their international presence.

Against this backdrop, the second edition of the Global Potato Summit 2026, organised by Media Today Group on December 16–17 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, will provide a platform to connect the Indian potato industry with international markets, technologies and business opportunities.
 

Rising Production and Expanding Export Potential

India’s potato production is projected to reach 59.89 million tonnes in 2025–26, compared with 58.57 million tonnes in 2024–25, according to the production estimates cited for the period. This expanding production base supports both domestic consumption and the growing demand for potatoes used in processing, including French fries, chips, flakes, granules and other value-added products.

India’s export performance reflects the changing structure of the industry. According to UN Comtrade data, exports of frozen and prepared potatoes reached approximately USD 279 million in calendar year 2025, compared with USD 203 million in 2024. This represents growth of around 37.5 percent in export value. Export volumes in this broad customs category also increased substantially, reflecting the expanding role of Indian processors in international trade.

Fresh potatoes remain another important component of the export basket, generating approximately USD 88.3 million in 2025. Meanwhile, exports of potato flakes, granules and pellets reached USD 67.8 million, underlining the growing importance of dehydrated potato ingredients in the food-processing industry.

Other categories contributed to the diversification of India’s potato trade. Exports of preserved potatoes were valued at approximately USD 6.9 million, frozen potatoes under a separate customs classification at USD 4.6 million, and potato starch at USD 3 million. Together, these six specified product categories accounted for approximately USD 449.6 million in exports during 2025.  These figures demonstrate that India’s potato export opportunity extends well beyond fresh produce. The industry is increasingly participating in international markets through frozen products, dehydrated ingredients and other processed forms that offer opportunities for greater value addition.
 

Frozen French Fries Lead the Growth Story

Frozen French fries have emerged as a key driver of India’s potato export growth, supported by investments in processing, improved raw-material availability and rising demand across international food-service markets. Exports of potato flakes and dehydrated ingredients are further expanding opportunities in industrial food manufacturing.

Sustaining this momentum will depend on strengthening the farm-to-factory link through processing-grade varieties, quality seeds, scientific storage and reliable procurement. Closer coordination among growers, processors and exporters will be critical to ensuring consistent quality, improving efficiency and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global markets.
 

European Supply Pressures Create New Opportunities

Adverse weather conditions are putting pressure on Europe’s potato supplies, potentially opening new opportunities for alternative suppliers. According to the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) forecast, the 2026 ware potato crop across Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands could fall to 20.7 million tonnes, down 25.4 percent from 27.75 million tonnes in 2025.
 

Global Potato Summit 2026 will highlight opportunities for potato processing, value-added products and international trade. (Image: Global Potato Summit 2025)

For India, this presents a potential export opportunity, particularly in processed potato products. However, capitalising on it will require consistent quality, competitive pricing, reliable logistics and compliance with international standards. Diversifying into Asian, Middle Eastern and other markets can further strengthen India’s potato export prospects.
 

Global Potato Summit 2025: A Catalyst for Multiplier Growth

Recognising the need for a connected and competitive potato value chain, Media Today Group organised the inaugural Global Potato Summit 2025 at India Expo Centre & Mart (IEML), Greater Noida, with support from APEDA and participation from industry and trade organisations.

By bringing growers, processors, exporters, technology providers and machinery manufacturers onto a common platform, the summit connected the dots between farm productivity, post-harvest infrastructure, processing, value addition and export growth. It highlighted how progress in one segment can create opportunities across the entire ecosystem—from better returns for growers and new investments in processing to stronger market linkages and wider access to global markets.

The summit’s larger significance lay in placing these interconnected priorities within a shared growth agenda, reinforcing the potential of collaboration, technology and trade to multiply value across India’s potato economy.
 

Global Potato Summit 2026: Expanding the International Outlook

Building on the foundation laid in 2025, Media Today Group will organise the second Global Potato Summit on December 16–17, 2026, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, featuring an international conference on "Transforming India’s Potato Value-Chain for Global Competitiveness."  The summit will address key priorities across the value chain, including seed development, mechanisation, storage, cold-chain infrastructure, processing, packaging and exports, with a focus on technology, innovation and international market access. By connecting growers, processors, equipment manufacturers, packaging companies and exporters, it aims to foster technology partnerships, strengthen industry linkages and accelerate value addition and export growth across India’s potato sector.
 

From Production Strength to Global Competitiveness

India’s growing potato production and expanding exports provide a strong foundation for further industry development. The next stage will depend on the ability to translate this scale into consistent quality, efficient processing, dependable logistics and sustained access to international markets.

The combined export value of the six specified potato-product categories—approximately USD 449.6 million in 2025—illustrates the diversity of India’s existing trade. Further opportunities could emerge through stronger processing capabilities, product diversification, improved storage infrastructure and deeper engagement with overseas buyers. Through the Global Potato Summit 2026, Media Today Group aims to bring these priorities into focus and encourage closer collaboration across the Indian and international potato industries.

Global Potato Summit 2026 aims to strengthen collaboration among potato growers, processors, exporters and industry organisations. (Image: Global Potato Summit 2025)

As global markets respond to changing production conditions, evolving consumer demand and growing requirements for processed foods, the summit will offer a platform for the industry to explore how India can strengthen its role as a competitive supplier of fresh potatoes and value-added potato products.
 

Global Potato Summit 2026

The Global Potato Summit 2026 will take place on December 16–17 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, under the theme "Transforming India’s Potato Value-Chain for Global Competitiveness."