Potato News from Asia

Bikanervala Foods will invest INR 131 crore to expand its Jewar facility, adding 19,676.39 sqm of built-up area. Total investment will reach INR 548 crore, boosting production to meet rising demand for traditional Indian snacks.

JADCO has completed its French fries production line expansion in Saudi Arabia, increasing production capacity by 50%. The project included new technologies and process upgrades, with Kiremko and other partners supporting delivery.

Kazakhstan and Belgium have signed a memorandum to develop potato processing, modernise cultivation and attract investment. With the 2026 harvest forecast at 2.8 million tonnes, Kazakhstan aims to expand exports of higher-value potato products.

Potato exports from India reached USD 449.6 million across six categories in 2025. Global Potato Summit 2026, scheduled for December 16–17 in Gujarat, will focus on processing, international trade and new export opportunities.

Iscon Balaji Foods won the Saudifood Excellence Award 2026 and unveiled its Everlasting CrispX fries at The Saudi Food Show in Jeddah, showcasing high-holding performance and its Hungritos frozen potato portfolio.

McCain Foods has announced plans to acquire Falcon Agrifriz Foods' frozen potato processing business in Gujarat, India. The acquisition will expand its manufacturing capacity and its presence in India, and support local farmers and supply chains.

India and the Netherlands are strengthening cooperation in the seed sector through the India–Netherlands Seed Partnership. A recent mission included ministerial talks and a seed-sector business roundtable focused on future collaboration.

ICAR-CPRI's Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Chipsona-1 together cover nearly 75% of India's potato cultivation area. The varieties have boosted productivity, farmer incomes and the potato processing sector.

Iscon Balaji Foods showcased its Hungritos frozen potato portfolio at MIHAS 2026 in Malaysia, targeting stronger Southeast Asian exports through its integrated potato processing, Halal production and IQF freezing capabilities.

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.