Potato News from Asia

PAU Ludhiana has released four potato varieties—PP-101, PP-102, PP-103 and PP-104. Yields range from 142–184 quintals/acre, with PP-103 offering early harvest and PP-104 moderate late-blight resistance. Seed is now available.

Covered Bridge is expanding in Japan after Costco Japan ordered 12 containers of its potato chips, with eight shipped by late September 2026, following an agreement that made Japan its tenth international market.

Foodera Technologies is expanding its presence in India with a new office in Ahmedabad's GIFT City, strengthening local service, spare parts, training and technical support while bringing together Kiremko and Tummers expertise.

India and Tajikistan are exploring cooperation in potato research, quality seed production and aeroponics technology, with proposed CPRI Shimla visits and training to boost agricultural knowledge and technology exchange.

McCain Foods has opened its first Signature Café in India at Max Mall in Noida, featuring its potato specialities across burgers, loaded fries and other formats, with plans to explore the concept at additional locations.

AHSE Asia International Expo 2026 will bring over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from more than 30 countries and regions to Macao, China, connecting international buyers and suppliers across food, beverages, snacks, hospitality, machinery and packaging.

Tecalit will participate in Anuga FoodTec India 2026 in Mumbai, presenting potato and cereal snack pellet processing solutions, including production lines for die-cut pellets and laminated potato chips with capacities up to 1,000 kg/hour.

Japan is advancing quarantine consultations on fresh potatoes from the United States for general distribution, with authorities assessing pest risks and potential management measures before deciding whether broader market access can be granted.

TNA Solutions has partnered with Mohammed Riaz & Partner LLC to launch Muscat Chips in Oman with a 300kg/hour potato chip line. The project supports 24 SKUs, 120 packs/minute and future expansion, with a second line already ordered.

Uttar Pradesh plans a dedicated potato export facility at Noida International Airport in Jewar, along with a 50-acre Agri Export Hub featuring processing, packaging and gamma-radiation treatment facilities.

Global Potato Summit 2026, 16–17 Dec in Gandhinagar, brings the global potato industry together for exhibition, conference, networking, awards and farm/factory visits, creating opportunities for business, technology, partnerships and new markets.

Messe Berlin and NürnbergMesse will launch FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India alongside BIOFACH INDIA in Mumbai on May 25–27, 2028, creating a joint platform for India's fresh produce and organic food sectors and international business.

PepsiCo India inaugurated a USD 81.5 million potato chips plant in Assam that will source potatoes locally, support thousands of farmers and increase annual potato requirements from 30,000 MT to 70,000 MT by 2030.

Heat and Control will debut its Spray Dynamics Symphony IKS at Anuga FoodTec India 2026, introducing a new in-kitchen seasoning system designed for consistent application, reduced seasoning dust and easier cleaning.

Calbee Potato expects Hokkaido’s 2026 processing potato crop to reach 240,000–250,000 tons, with better quality and yields than 2025. Favorable temperatures and rainfall have boosted growth, although heavy rain remains a major harvest risk now.

McCain Foods India has appointed Aditya Krishna as Managing Director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead growth, strengthen grower partnerships and continue developing French Fries potato varieties suited to Indian conditions.

KFC Malaysia and Mister Potato launch a limited-time collaboration featuring spicy crispy chicken, a crunchy Zinger burger and Cheezy Wedges-inspired chips for the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season.

PepsiCo has announced new snack launches across India and Bangladesh, including Kurkure Aloo Chips, Kurkure Ribbon Pakoda, Lay's Potato Crackers and Quaker protein snacks, combining regional flavours, new textures and nutrition needs.