Potato News from Asia

Iscon Balaji Foods (Hungritos) joins the Global Potato Summit 2025 as Platinum Sponsor. Visit Stall D9–D11 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, and explore premium fries, snacks, and potato innovations shaping India’s potato industry growth.

The organiser of the Global Potato Summit (GPS) 2025, the Media Today Group just provided more details on the international conference and exhibition scheduled for 11–12 December 2025 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida followed by live Farm Demonstrations near Hapur.

China is emerging as a key player in the global potato processing market, according to a study by leading Chinese research institutes. Despite rapid growth, China still trails major processors but is steadily strengthening its position.

Beirut–Erbil Company successfully joined AGRO PACK Erbil, meeting industry leaders to explore partnerships that strengthen Iraq’s food supply chain. The team also welcomed the Dutch Ambassador, highlighting growing international interest in the Iraqi market.

Pakistan and KOICA discussed a feasibility study for a Seed Potato Production Centre at PARC, Islamabad. The project aims to cut seed imports, boost yields with Korean tech like aeroponics, and supply virus-free certified seed to over 100,000 farmers.

Kazakhstan may reintroduce potato export limits as shipments near the 500–600K-tonne threshold set to protect domestic supply. Authorities say high regional demand drove price spikes earlier, but current stocks and prices have now stabilised.

Buying potato chips is changing fast with direct-to-consumer brands and online shopping. Will D2C delivery replace supermarket shelves? Let’s explore current habits and what the future holds for this popular snack.

Lamb Weston launches its crispy, Stealth-coated fries in Singapore for the first time, offering four signature cuts at FairPrice stores. Packs use eco-friendly materials, with promo pricing and sampling roadshows starting 22 Nov.

RBI and CPE form a joint venture to expand Burger King in China from 1,250 to 4,000+ restaurants by 2035. CPE invests USD 350M, gaining 83% ownership, while RBI retains 17%. Focus: expansion, marketing, menu innovation, and operations.

TNA Solutions, a global provider of complete processing and packaging lines, presented its latest snack and confectionery technologies at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 at Stand A4-4 in Hall 4.

For India’s French-fry industry, the journey to global excellence begins not in the plant but in the field. Every step - from aerating seed stores to loading trucks - defines the quality that reaches international markets.

Snack maker Balaji Wafers, which has drawn strong interest from investors and global food companies, is reportedly set to sell a 7% stake to US-based General Atlantic for INR 2,500 crore (USD 282 million).

Banas Dairy and BBSSL signed an MoU to build a seed-to-market potato value chain, producing certified seed potatoes and promoting cooperative growth to boost farmer productivity, innovation, and income under the 'Sahakar se Samriddhi' vision.

Nepal’s First Choice Foods has begun exporting its “Himalayan Crisp” and “Hamro Fries” French fries to the United States marking a stunning milestone for the country’s food industry.

JADCO has signed a strategic partnership with Polysense to introduce AI and Digital Twin technologies in its French fries plant, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation as part of its agri-industrial transformation.

Bangladesh faces a potato surplus as industrial use remains limited. Only 3–4% of production is processed, leaving farmers with losses of BDT 10–15/kg. Experts urge investment in processing, storage, and diversification to boost farmer income.

Pakistan’s potato production surged past official projections in the 2024–25 season, reaching 9.9 million tons 44.7 percent higher than the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) target of 6.8 million tons, according to official data.

Mantra Agri Solutions, a joint venture between snack manufacturer Haldiram’s and agri-value chain specialist SK Group, has been confirmed as the Title Sponsor of the Global Potato Summit (GPS) 2025